Tort law protects victims of personal injury, allowing them to hold the party liable for their losses financially responsible. If you sustained an injury caused by someone else, a personal injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you need. Consider this brief guide to the claim process.

A Personal Injury Lawyer Handles Many Types of Claims

The most common injury claim stems from auto accidents, including those involving commercial trucks, motorcycles, pedestrians, bicycles and rideshare vehicles. Other common examples of personal injury cases include:

• Slip and fall accidents
• Wrongful death
• Dog attacks
• Medical malpractice
• Workplace injuries

When you hire a personal injury attorney to handle your claim, they represent you in every aspect of the legal process, including administrative work. They complete and file all paperwork, communicate with the insurance company, investigate the accident for evidence of fault and prepare the case for trial should you not receive a fair settlement offer.

Preparing for Your Initial Consultation

During your initial consultation with an attorney, you will discuss all circumstances surrounding your claim and address any questions you have about your legal rights. Some topics to consider include when and where the incident occurred, who was there, what injuries you sustained, what treatment you received and what future treatment you will need. With that information, a personal injury lawyer can assess your claim and advise on how best to move forward.

Settlements Are the Result of Negotiations

Once you and your attorney draft your demand package, including your narrative of the incident and a list of the losses you incurred as a result of the other party’s actions, the negotiations will begin. Rarely will the insurance company pay the full amount without negotiation. Instead, you will need to argue your injury claim with solid evidence of all economic and non-economic damages.

Additionally, you, as the injured person, are responsible for proving the other party’s liability. With experienced legal representation, your chances of recovering a fair settlement in less time are better. Identifying all recoverable damages is critical to the value of your claim.

A Personal Injury Lawyer Offers Free Consultations

If you sustained an injury due to someone else’s negligence or intention, a personal injury lawyer will answer any questions you have about your claim and help you take the first steps in seeking compensation. At Karl Zeiger Law Office, we have over 30 years of experience helping personal injury victims recover their losses after devastating accidents. Contact us online for your free consultation or call (253) 841-1000.