Personal injury claims help victims of accidents recover compensation based on another party’s negligence. These include car accidents or slip-and-fall and medical malpractice. These claims assist in paying the medical bill, wage loss, and emotional distress caused by such traumatic occurrences.
Many myths surround personal injury claims, and these myths lead people to make very wrong decisions about their rights. Let us uncover the truth behind these myths and understand personal injury claims better.
Personal Injury Lawsuits Are Only for Severe Injuries
In Norfolk, most people consider that lawsuits must be filed for only serious injuries. The truth is that a very minor injury can cause permanent damage. For instance, a minor sprain of the ankle or even a mild concussion can be considered as some form of injury requiring some follow-up medical treatment or even periods of missed days at work because of it.
A claim ensures that there is control over compensation one will receive from all immediate and future costs emerging from injury. Every year, thousands of personal injury lawyer norfolk, and the majority of those claims are on a moderate level.
A Lawsuit Is Filed Then Early Settlement
Some people think that after filing a lawsuit, they will get their compensation right away. Personal injury cases take time to resolve. Insurance companies will delay payment or give a low settlement in hopes that the victim will settle quickly.
The legal process includes gathering evidence, negotiating with insurers, and sometimes going to trial. Some cases settle within a few months, while others take a year or more, depending on the complexity of the situation.
You Can Sue at Any Time After the Injury
Most people feel that they can sue anytime they wish, but this is not so. Each state has a certain time limit as to when one can bring their lawsuit. For instance, in Virginia, if a person sustains an injury, he must file his claim within two years.
And if such time passes, then a person is not allowed to bring anything. On acting promptly, evidence would be fresh, and witnesses shall recall events more clearly. It’s wise to contact a Norfolk personal injury lawyer to file your case in time.
Personal Injury Lawsuits Are Frivolous and Money-Grabbing
For a few, personal injury lawsuits are a hassle-free method of obtaining money. Most victims would argue that it is a recovery of loss and justice. Medical bills, recovery bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering can add up quickly.
A personal injury lawsuit ensures that the liable party pays for these expenses instead of leaving the victim in financial ruin. This is considered by courts in determining whether it is enough compensation and to ensure that frivolous claims are defeated.
Insurance Will Pay for All Injury-Related Expenses
Many people feel that all the costs will be borne by the insurance, but that is not true. The company is looking to pay out as little as possible, so it will settle on a sum that will not cover the total costs that the medical bill incurs along with the costs of continuing therapy and lost wages.
Policies exclude some injuries and even make the victim pay the out-of-pocket expenses before claiming from the insurance company. If the insurance settlement amount of money is not reasonable, a personal injury lawsuit would be the way to collect the balance.
Personal Injury Lawsuits Occur From Car Accidents Alone
Doubtlessly, the most frequent cause of personal injury claims will be the car accident; however, this does not prove the case. Others could result from slip-and-fall cases, faulty goods, medical malpractice, injuries in the workplace, and even bites by dogs.
All these are so because the party whose negligence led to injuring another party is allowed to file a lawsuit in court for redress. For example, in the above case, the slipping of the party in the shop because it failed to clear up the spillage has a damages claim.
You Do Not Need a Lawyer to Bring a Personal Injury Claim
Many attempt to deal with their claims on their own, believing that money will be saved. Personal injury law is complicated, and insurance companies often take advantage of unrepresented claimants to give them low settlements.
A lawyer knows how to negotiate with insurers, gather evidence, and build a strong case. Working with an experienced attorney can significantly increase the chances of getting fair compensation.
All Personal Injury Cases Go to Trial
Most of the people feel that filing a lawsuit places it on its way to the courtroom. In reality, good news: Most personal injury lawsuits settle out of court. If lawyers representing them negotiate with an insurance company and can come to terms, there may never be the need to step foot in the courtroom.
But if that isn’t just possible a court appearance becomes necessary. With a great legal team, you will do as good as you can get either by negotiation or a lawsuit.
You Can’t Recover Damages If You’re Partially at Fault
Even if you partly caused an accident, you still can recover a claim. A lot of the states follow the comparative negligence system, which scales down your damages according to the percentage of blame.
Virginia follows the contributory negligence system in strict terms and if you were 1 percent at fault then you cannot receive damages. Lawyers can help identify whether you will be able to recover a valid claim even in cases of partial fault.
Personal Injury Cases Are Too Expensive to Litigate
Most personal injury lawyers are on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if you win your case. Therefore, you can afford the legal representation for your injury no matter how negligent the cause might have been. Besides, most attorneys cover the upfront costs like filing fees and expert witness fees, which they then deduct from the final settlement.
Conclusion
Knowing the truth about personal injury lawsuits will help people make the right decisions after an accident. Misconceptions and myths may prevent the victim from getting what he deserves.
Whether dealing with medical expenses, lost income, or emotional distress, legal action can bring much-needed financial relief and ensure accountability for the negligence of others. If you or a loved one got hurt because another person was negligent, then consulting a personal injury lawyer in Norfolk might help you make a first move toward justice.
FAQs
1. Can I do a personal injury claim on my own?
You can. However, not recommended since an insurance company takes advantage of claimants who represent themselves and lowers the settlement given.
2. How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit?
The statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury, so act quickly.
3. Will my personal injury case definitely go to trial?
Not necessarily; most personal injury cases settle out of court through negotiations with insurance companies and attorneys.
