Have you or a loved one suffered injuries resulting from someone else’s carelessness or negligence in Albany? Most people assume that physical injuries are purely bodily damages. However, they are not limited to physical harm. You may also suffer mental affliction due to trauma, impairment, loss of your ability to earn, and psychological pain. If you’ve suffered injuries, you’re entitled to a personal injury settlement. In Albany, usually, insurance companies tend to lowball the victims. It is best to seek professional help if you are planning to file a claim.
To help you recover damages for your pain and loss, you should work with personal injury lawyers in Albany who can help you file an injury claim and protect you from insurance companies. They can also help you determine whether you’ve been given a fair offer.
It would be best if you do not accept any offer unless you are content that it can take care of your lost wages, medical bills, and additional expenses. Below are the six things you should consider before filing a personal injury claim:
1. Do You Have a Valid Personal Injury Claim?
Not all personal injury claims are valid. To have a good personal injury claim, you must have suffered an injury due to someone else’s carelessness or negligence.
A personal injury case should start with a physical injury. For instance, if you suffer injuries resulting from car accidents, medical malpractice, and construction accidents, slip and fall accidents, workplace accidents, among many other injuries, then you qualify to file a claim.
2. What Are Your Damages?
To recoup damages in a personal injury claim, you must prove that you’ve suffered losses that were a direct result of the injury.
The damages you may suffer include medical expenses, loss of your earning capacity, pain, physical impairment, mental anguish, psychological pain, and suffering.
3. Who is at Fault?
You must be able to prove that the other party is at fault for your injuries if you want to recoup damages in a personal injury claim.
Proving fault involved examining the accident scene, speaking with witnesses, reviewing police records, and the judge’s and jury’s verdict.
4. What is the Statute of Limitations?
The statute of limitations refers to the legal time frame you have to file a personal injury claim. Different States in the US have statutes of limitations set at two years and six months for adults. On the other hand, if it involves a minor, it’s set up ten years after the accident.
5. What is the Cost of Filing a Personal Injury Claim?
Typically, there are no upfront costs to file a personal injury claim. However, you may have to pay court expenses and attorney fees of up to 25 percent of the damages if you win your case.
6. Do You Need an Attorney?
You can file a personal injury claim without an attorney. However, it would be best if you have an attorney by your side to increase your chances of winning the lawsuit.
A personal injury claim is not something you should navigate through without the help of an experienced personal injury attorney by your side. The attorney will work tirelessly to remove the stress that comes with the loss of income; and medical and rehabilitation expenses, among other damages.
Furthermore, a personal injury lawyer can negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies to ensure you get the deserved settlement.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been involved in a serious car or truck accident, slip and fall, or other accidents that can cause physical injuries, or mental or psychological damages, personal injury lawyers take time to know you and your case. Furthermore, they explain the available options and work with you to achieve the best outcome for your case.