What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
- Written by: Peter Harrison
- Category: General
- Published: February 15, 2024
A personal injury lawyer is a professional who helps clients recover financial compensation for their physical, emotional, and financial losses after an accident. They are knowledgeable about New York law and have years of experience in the field. In addition, they collaborate with experts to build a strong case that maximizes the client’s chances of achieving fair financial compensation. Whether you have been injured in an auto accident, suffered medical malpractice, or lost a loved one due to a defective product, a dedicated personal injury attorney can help you get justice and accountability from those responsible for causing harm.
When you meet with a Personal injury lawyer, they will listen to your version of the accident and ask questions to clarify any points that need additional information or follow-up. They will then investigate the facts and evidence to determine the strength of your claim. This may include examining police reports, official documents, and other physical evidence like damaged vehicles or defective products. They will also use witness statements to add weight to your case by shedding light on the accident circumstances and establishing causation.
Once they have all the necessary documentation, your lawyer will send it to the defendant’s insurance carrier along with a settlement demand. They will also prepare a report on your damages, which includes your past and future medical bills and treatments, your loss of income, any pain and suffering you’ve experienced, and other expenses. If your injuries have a long-term prognosis, your attorney may hire an economist to calculate the value of your future medical treatment, lost income, and diminished quality of life.
In cases involving serious or catastrophic injuries, your personal injury lawyer will need medical records and the support of your doctor to prove your current and projected injuries, limitations, and disabilities. They will also need your employment records to demonstrate how your injuries have affected your ability to work and pay your bills. For claims involving substantial future medical treatment, your injury attorney will request confirmation from your doctors and will often have them submit their reports to an independent third-party expert.
Your accident injury attorney will have the right to subpoena witnesses, the defendants’ insurance company, and any other entity that might be required to produce relevant evidence. They will also prepare interrogatories written questions for the other parties and take depositions of key people involved in your case.
Once your personal injury lawyer has settled your case with the insurance company or won a court award, they will collect their fee. This is usually a percentage of the award that is paid to you. The lawyer will then ensure that your medical bills have been paid and will write you a check for the remaining amount awarded to you. They will also notify the other party that they have been represented by your attorney so they cannot reach out to you directly. They will also advise you of any future obligations and requirements that you might have, such as continuing to undergo treatment or returning to work.