If you’ve never worked with a legal professional before, you may be unsure what to expect from a personal injury lawyer. You should expect someone who listens, keeps you informed, and fights for the outcome you deserve.
A Louisville personal injury attorney at Grossman Green PLLC can walk you through the process and help you understand what your case may involve.
What happens during your initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer?
When you’ve been hurt by others, you should consult with an attorney to understand your rights and to learn whether you can hold those at fault accountable for their actions. The first step is to schedule a free case review. The attorney will gather information about your claim, such as:
- What happened and where
- Who was involved
- Whether you have any evidence (including photos, videos, or medical records)
- Names and contact information for everyone involved
- Witness details
- Insurance policy information
- Medical treatment you’ve received
You can ask questions and discuss your options. If the law firm accepts your case, you will sign an agreement that outlines what to expect and how you’ll pay for their services (see below).
How does a personal injury lawyer handle your case from the start?
Your injury attorneys will start work on your personal injury claim by verifying any evidence you provided during your initial consultation. They’ll then begin collecting additional materials to explain what happened and who is at fault. By investigating and gathering more evidence, they can get a clearer picture of the incident and begin to craft a strategy for your case.
For example, in car accidents, your injury lawyers might request police reports from the Louisville Metro Police Department or the Kentucky State Police. These official documents detail what happened at the scene, including any citations issued, and can help establish who is at fault. Your attorneys will seek additional high-quality material like this to further support your case.
Your lawyers may consult with medical specialists and accident reconstruction professionals whose testimony can help explain what happened and who is responsible. The goal is to create the strongest possible case given the circumstances. By doing so, you have the best chance of recovering compensation for your personal injuries and property damage.
How do personal injury lawyers deal with insurance companies?
In many instances, you’ll be able to file a claim against the negligent person’s insurance. For example, Kentucky auto insurance requirements mandate that all drivers carry liability insurance to pay for bodily injury and property damage they cause in auto accidents.
This allows you to recover payment from that driver when you demonstrate they’re at fault for your injuries. You have the right to negotiate for a fair settlement to cover your expenses. By letting your personal injury lawyer handle the discussions, you can avoid any accidental admissions of fault.
Your attorney can also review the initial settlement offer and advise you whether to push for a better one. The first offer is often much lower than your damage demands, and your attorney knows how to present your evidence and push for what your case is actually worth.
What role does medical treatment play in your personal injury case?
Immediate medical treatment is critical in your personal injury case, since it creates a powerful connection to the at-fault party’s actions. If you wait too long to see a doctor, your injuries could get worse, and the insurance company could claim you hurt yourself somewhere else.
Maintaining medical treatment documents how your injuries are getting better or worse, allowing your attorney to better calculate how much your case is worth.
How are legal fees and contingency fees handled in personal injury cases?
At Grossman Green PLLC, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing up front and owe no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of your settlement, and that percentage is spelled out clearly in your service agreement before we begin. If there’s no recovery, there’s no fee. This arrangement exists so that cost is never a barrier to getting the legal help you need.
What outcomes can you expect from a personal injury claim?
The most personal injury cases settle before trial. Accordingly, you’ll likely reach an agreement during insurance negotiations without having to file a lawsuit. This is particularly true in car wreck claims. However, certain types of cases typically require filing a lawsuit because the litigation process helps build a factual record necessary to resolve a case.
Even if a lawsuit must be filed, there are still opportunities to settle your case. In fact, you can still negotiate even once a trial starts. If there’s no settlement, then your case goes to the jury, and they decide who wins.
When might your lawyer file a personal injury lawsuit?
There are three main times when an attorney might recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit:
- The insurance company or other party is delaying its decision on your claim.
- The insurance company denies coverage on your claim.
- The insurance company is engaging in bad faith tactics under the Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act.
- The factual record is not developed enough to resolve the case before the running of the statute of limitations on your claim.
There may be other situations that require a lawsuit. Your attorney can advise you regarding whether continued negotiations or a more aggressive approach would yield a better outcome for your case.
Speak with a Louisville personal injury attorney about your situation
When you work with Grossman Green PLLC, you get local attorneys who are ready to take your case all the way through trial if that’s what it takes. We offer free consultations and digital signing so you can get help without added hassle. Every client is treated with the same care and attention, no matter the size of the case. Call us at (502) 657-7100 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.