Accidents do happen; usually at times when least expected. One minute you are going about your day, and suddenly you are dealing with a few hospital visits, mounting bills, and stress that just won’t go away. Whether it is another accident on the road, an accident at work, an accident in a store, or one while receiving medical care, the aftermath of the incident is not easy to cope with. When serious injuries are involved, you do not have to deal with the legal and financial consequences. You can turn to a Houston personal injury lawyer to assist you in putting everything back together.
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Why Should You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Houston?
In plain sight, personal injury law may seem fairly straightforward; behind closed doors, however, many intricacies come into play. Insurance companies keep their business alive by paying as little as possible; therefore, they can resort to different tactics that make sure the injured pocket in far less than they are entitled to. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Houston will know Texas law, know how the insurance companies operate, and will use that knowledge for the benefit of the client. The attorney’s job is more involved than just filling out paperwork and making calls; he or she wants to ensure that any claim made will be for the total amount of money the client deserves for his or her medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other losses stemming from the accident.
Common types of personal injury lawsuits in Houston include:
- Accidents: Sadly, collisions are common due to the vast number of drivers and commercial vehicles present on Houston highways. Motorcycle accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, and those involving delivery trucks are serious cases of personal injury which usually deal with driver negligence and reckless driving, among other factors, like road conditions or defective vehicles.
- Work Injuries: Most injuries sustained in the workplace are covered by Workers’ Compensation. However, there are instances in which third-party negligence (i.e., contractor, manufacturer, property owner) may open the door for recovery.
- Slip and Fall: Property owners have a duty to keep the premise safe. In the case of a spill, broken stair, or icy roadway causing a fall, liability may attach to the property owner.
- Medical Malpractice: with negligence performed by any health care provider, be it a doctor, nurse, or technician, may have catastrophic effects on an individual and a family. Usually, extensive reviews of medical records and expert testimony are warranted. This includes the burial costs, etc.
- Being that after a fatal accident, the surviving kin may file suit for damages and funeral expenses and support with lost wages in the future.
Every case is unique. A good Houston personal injury attorney should take a close examination of the facts and create an approach that caters to your situation.
What to Expect During the Legal Process
Filing a claim for personal injury could be an intimidating procedure; however, your attorney will carry you through the entire process:
- Case Evaluation: The attorney would have reviewed the accident, including medical records and other insurance, to determine whether you have a viable claim.
- Investigation: This most often refers to the gathering of evidence; interviewing witnesses, obtaining police reports, and working with experts, such as accident reconstructionist or medical specialists.
- Negotiation: Most personal injury claims do not go to trial; most are settled out of court, where your attorney will negotiate with the insurers to achieve an equitable settlement.
- Litigation: If the negotiations break off, then your attorney should be ready, willing, and able to take the matter to court so that the judge and jury can hear your claim.
The essence of a lawyer during the case is the protection of rights or ensuring that financial resources are available for recovery.
How does one choosery claims are generally subject to a two-year statute of limitations. The two-year from the date of the injury is your general time within which you can file your lawsuit. If you didn’t make your deadline, however, you lost the opportunity to be compensated. The sooner you contact a Houston personal injury attorney, the more likely you’ll be able to keep your rights and ensure that evidence which could be important is preserved.
Concluding Remarks
Engaging the services of a Houston personal injury lawyer would be wise if you or someone you know was injured by another’s negligence. Your lawyer will zealously fight for your right to proper compensation, allowing you to concentrate on healing. Never accept value of your claim from insurance companies; get professional advice and protect your future.
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