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Being injured in an accident can be overwhelming. When you leave home, you do not expect to sustain an injury because of another party’s negligence or wrongdoing. Sadly, accidents result in more damages than just physical injuries. Many victims suffer financial hardships because of the missed time from work and the medical costs incurred because of the injuries.

A personal injury attorney can help you recover compensation for your damages, as well as assume the stress of dealing with an insurance claim. Hiring a personal injury attorney to handle your accident claim has numerous benefits.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney?

Four main benefits of hiring an attorney after an injury are:

Benefit Number One: Protects You from the Insurance Company

When you hire a personal injury lawyer to handle your injury claim, you can focus on your recovery instead of dealing with an insurance company and claims adjuster.

Some insurance adjusters pressure accident victims to provide statements and sign medical releases, which is not in the best interest of the accident victim. The adjuster may also pressure an accident victim to settle a claim before the victim understands the full extent of his or her injuries and damages.

An attorney prevents the insurance company from placing undue pressure on accident victims. They also protect the company from taking advantage of an accident victim when the victim is vulnerable. Your attorney helps you avoid making missteps that could hurt your chance of recovering full compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses.

Benefit Number Two: Understands Legal Requirements to Prove Liability

Your attorney understands what is required to prove fault and liability under a variety of laws related to accidents and injuries. The legal elements to prove your claim may vary slightly depending on the law that applies to your case. Your attorney handles the investigation to identify the responsible party or parties and gather the evidence needed to prove fault.

Our injury lawyers have extensive experience handling a variety of personal injury cases. We understand the legal requirements for proving fault in cases involving:

• Premises liability claims (falls and injuries caused by hazardous property conditions)
• Medical malpractice
• Wrongful death
• Defective and dangerous products

General negligence claims (i.e. motor vehicle accidents, nursing home abuse, animal attacks, burns, bicycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents)

Benefit Number Three: Correctly Values Your Injury Claim

It can be difficult to know how much your injury claim is worth, especially if you are not familiar with personal injury laws. The insurance company will pay as little as possible to settle your claim. The claims adjuster is not going to tell you if you are receiving less than your claim is worth.

A personal injury attorney calculates the value of your claim based on your financial losses and non-economic damages. An attorney understands how to use the evidence in your case to maximize non-economic or pain and suffering damages.

Damages that are typically included in a personal injury claim are:

• Expenses related to medical care and treatment
• Loss of income, including bonuses, commissions, benefits, and decreased earning capacity
• Physical pain and suffering
• Permanent disfigurement and scarring
• Disabilities and permanent impairment
• Emotional distress, including depression, PTSD, and loss of quality of life
• Other out-of-pocket financial losses related to the accident

Benefit Number Four: Handles Settlement Negotiations and Lawsuits

Your personal injury attorney prepares a detailed settlement demand package for the insurance company that outlines the legal theory for fault and liability. The settlement demand also includes evidence to prove your damages and substantiate the value of your injury claim.

Our attorneys are skilled negotiators. We fight for the maximum value of your claim. However, we are also highly trained and experienced trial attorneys. If an insurance company refuses to negotiate in good faith for a fair settlement, we are prepared to file a personal injury lawsuit to protect your best interests.