What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be wondering, “What does a personal injury lawyer do?” A personal injury lawyer is a legal professional who represents individuals who have suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result of another party’s wrongful actions. These attorneys specialize in tort law, which covers civil wrongs and damages, and they work tirelessly to protect the rights of their clients and help them obtain the compensation they deserve.

At the Law Office of Michael E. Skiber, our experienced personal injury attorneys in Norwalk, Bridgeport, and Stamford are dedicated to fighting for the rights of those who have been injured. We understand the challenges you face and are committed to providing personalized attention and aggressive representation to help you navigate the complex legal process and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Investigating Claims and Gathering Evidence

One of the primary responsibilities of a personal injury lawyer is to investigate claims and gather evidence to support their client’s case. This process involves a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the accident or incident that led to the client’s injuries. The lawyer will review police reports, medical records, and any other relevant documentation to gain a clear understanding of what happened and who may be liable for the damages suffered.

In addition to reviewing documents, a personal injury lawyer near me will also interview witnesses who may have seen the accident or have knowledge of the events leading up to it. These witnesses can provide valuable testimony that can help strengthen the client’s case and support their claim for compensation. The lawyer may also work with experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals, to gain a more in-depth understanding of the incident and the extent of the client’s injuries.

Gathering evidence is a crucial step in building a strong personal injury case. By thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, a skilled injury attorney can identify all potentially liable parties and develop a compelling argument for why their client deserves compensation for their losses.

Assessing Damages and Determining Fair Compensation

Another key role of a personal injury accident lawyer is to assess the damages suffered by their client and determine the fair compensation they should receive for their losses. Damages in a personal injury case can be both economic and non-economic in nature, and may include:

Medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgery costs, and ongoing treatment
Lost wages and future earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress and mental anguish
Loss of enjoyment of life
Property damage

To determine the appropriate amount of compensation, a serious injury attorney will carefully review all of the evidence and work with experts to calculate the full extent of their client’s damages. This may involve analyzing medical bills, employment records, and other documentation to determine the economic losses suffered by the client. The lawyer will also consider the non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, which can be more difficult to quantify but are equally important in terms of the overall impact on the client’s life.

A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer will fight to ensure that their client receives the maximum compensation possible for their losses. They will use their expertise and experience to build a strong case that accurately reflects the full extent of the damages suffered and the impact on the client’s life.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are often involved in personal injury cases, as they may be responsible for paying out claims to the injured party. However, these companies are primarily concerned with protecting their own interests and minimizing the amount they have to pay out in claims. As a result, they may attempt to settle cases quickly and for less than the injured party deserves.

This is where a personal injury lawyer can be invaluable. These attorneys have experience dealing with insurance companies and know how to negotiate effectively to reach a fair settlement for their clients. They will communicate with insurance adjusters, review settlement offers, and counter with demands that accurately reflect the damages suffered by their client.

A skilled personal injury attorney will also be prepared to fight against low-ball offers or attempts by the insurance company to deny liability. They will use their knowledge of the law and the evidence gathered in the case to build a strong argument for why their client deserves full and fair compensation for their losses.

By having a seasoned lawyer for personal injuries near me on their side, injured individuals can level the playing field and ensure that their rights are protected throughout the negotiation process. This can help them obtain the compensation they need to cover their medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages suffered as a result of the accident.

Preparing and Filing Lawsuits

In some cases, insurance companies may be unwilling to offer a fair settlement to the injured party. When this happens, a personal injury lawyer may need to file a lawsuit on behalf of their client to seek the compensation they deserve.

Preparing and filing a lawsuit is a complex process that requires a deep understanding of the legal system and the specific laws and regulations that apply to personal injury cases. A best personal injury lawyer will have the knowledge and experience necessary to navigate this process effectively and build a strong case on behalf of their client.

The first step in filing a lawsuit is to draft and file a complaint with the court. This document outlines the facts of the case, the damages suffered by the client, and the legal basis for the claim. The lawyer will also need to serve the complaint on the defendant, which notifies them of the lawsuit and gives them an opportunity to respond.

Once the lawsuit is filed, the personal injury attorney will begin the discovery process, which involves gathering additional evidence and information relevant to the case. This may include taking depositions of witnesses, requesting documents from the defendant or other parties, and conducting independent investigations.

Throughout the pre-trial process, the lawyer will also attend conferences and hearings with the court to discuss the status of the case and any potential settlement opportunities. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial, where the lawyer will present evidence and arguments on behalf of their client to a judge and jury.

Representing Clients in Court Proceedings

If a personal injury case goes to trial, the personal injury lawyer will be responsible for representing their client in court proceedings. This is a crucial role, as the outcome of the trial can have a significant impact on the client’s ability to recover the compensation they deserve.

During the trial, the lawyer will present evidence and arguments to support their client’s case. This may involve calling witnesses to testify, introducing exhibits and other evidence, and cross-examining witnesses called by the defendant.

The lawyer will also need to make strategic decisions throughout the trial, such as deciding which evidence to present and how to respond to arguments made by the opposing side. They will use their knowledge of the law and their experience in the courtroom to build a compelling case on behalf of their client and persuade the judge and jury to rule in their favor.

Representing a client in court proceedings requires a unique set of skills and expertise. A personal injury lawyer must be an effective communicator, able to clearly and persuasively present complex legal arguments to a judge and jury. They must also be quick on their feet, able to adapt to changing circumstances and respond effectively to arguments made by the opposing side.

Having a skilled and experienced personal injury attorney by your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. They will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

FAQs

What percentage do most personal injury lawyers take?

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. The percentage they take can vary, but it is typically around 33% to 40% of the total settlement or award.

A personal injury lawyer represents individuals who have been injured due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party. They investigate claims, gather evidence, assess damages, negotiate with insurance companies, prepare and file lawsuits, and represent clients in court proceedings.

Do most personal injury cases win?

The success of a personal injury case depends on many factors, such as the strength of the evidence, the skill of the personal injury lawyer, and the willingness of the defendant to settle. While not all cases result in a win, having an experienced attorney on your side can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome.

What is an example of personal injury?

Personal injury can encompass a wide range of accidents and incidents, including:

Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
Slip and fall accidents
Medical malpractice
Defective products
Workplace accidents
Dog bites

If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you may have a valid personal injury claim and should consult with a personal injury lawyer near me.

Choose the Right Personal Injury Lawyer for Your Case

If you have been injured in an accident, choosing the right personal injury lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. You want an attorney who has the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to effectively represent your interests and fight for the compensation you deserve.

When looking for a personal injury lawyer near me, consider the following factors:

Experience: Look for an attorney who has significant experience handling personal injury cases similar to yours. They should have a track record of success and be familiar with the legal issues and strategies involved in these types of cases.
Resources: Personal injury cases can be complex and require significant resources to investigate and litigate effectively. Choose a lawyer who has the staff, technology, and financial resources necessary to build a strong case on your behalf.
Communication: You want a lawyer who is responsive to your needs and keeps you informed throughout the legal process. Look for an attorney who is easy to communicate with and takes the time to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Reputation: Consider the reputation of the lawyer and their law firm in the legal community and among former clients. Look for reviews and testimonials from satisfied clients, as well as peer recognition and awards.

Practice Areas and Areas Served

At the Law Office of Michael E. Skiber, our experienced personal injury attorneys handle a wide range of cases throughout Connecticut, including:

Practice Areas

Areas Served

At the Law Office of Michael E. Skiber, our team of experienced personal injury attorneys has the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to effectively represent your interests and fight for the compensation you deserve. We have a proven track record of success in handling a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, and more.

Our attorneys are dedicated to providing personalized attention and compassionate representation to each of our clients. We take the time to listen to your story, answer your questions, and develop a legal strategy tailored to your unique needs and goals.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. We serve clients throughout Connecticut, including Norwalk, Bridgeport, Stamford, and the surrounding areas. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.