Consulting a Personal Injury Lawyer is always a wise thing to do for many reasons. One reason is that many injuries are not as simple as they may seem at first. That sprained ankle, for example, may be healed in a few days with heat and elevation. Physical therapy may be needed if strength does not return to the area. It may also lead to tissue damage, nerve damage, and require surgery in a month. An experienced lawyer knows how to review medical information; ask doctors detailed questions; and begin to plan for contingencies. An insurance company may approach the injured party with an offer to pay current medical bills, and cover lost wages for a few days. Once a settlement is agreed upon, it is very difficult to seek further compensation from an insurance company. A lawyer can deal with the insurance company for the injured party, and determine if a settlement is too little, premature, or not in the interest of the client.
Another reason is to allow the lawyer a chance to begin to build a strong case as soon as possible. If the injury was the result of an accident, for example, there is a lot of information that has to be gathered quickly. Photographs of the scene will be needed. Witnesses will have to be interviewed while the accident is fresh in their minds. Weather conditions have to be noted, measurements of any tire marks have to be taken, and any obstacles or barriers have to be seen before they are no longer in the area. A motorist who swerved to avoid a large pothole in the street, for example, will have a better chance of proving that claim if a picture of the pothole is available.
There may be multiple responsible parties for an injury. A Personal Injury Lawyer knows how to determine everyone who may have been responsible for an injury. That can help when it comes to getting compensation for damages, medical bills covered, and lost wages paid. Some injuries can result in long-term care being required, training for a new occupation may be needed, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may also be a result of the injury. Determining all responsible parties makes it easier to get the maximum compensation awarded. Consult experienced lawyers, like those at Daniel and Fontaine LLC, for example, to learn what the process entails. You can also follow them on Twitter for regular updates.
