Why you should hire a personal injury attorney
[yoast-breadcrumb]How much does a personal injury lawyer charge?
Like any other legal professional, Los Angeles personal injury lawyers charge a fee for their time. The fee usually takes one of two forms: an hourly rate or a contingency fee.
Hourly Rates
The hourly rate is how most lawyers charge for their time. Hourly rates can be as low as $50 or as high as several hundred dollars or more. The amount a lawyer charges will depend on a variety of factors, such as experience, location, reputation, firm size and whether the lawyer is part of a larger firm of attorneys or a sole practitioner.
The hourly rate will also vary based on whether the case is considered “simple” or “complex.” In general, a “simple” case is one that involves a relatively straightforward set of facts, such as someone suffering a broken arm in an auto accident where the auto insurance policy of the other party is in place. In contrast, a “complex” case is one that is more challenging and requires more time and resources to litigate, such as a case involving an individual who suffers a brain injury as a result of a car accident.
If you have a simple case, you may be able to find a personal injury lawyer to take your case on a contingency fee basis.
Contingency Fees
Contingency fees are payable only if money is recovered. For instance, if you have a broken arm, and the auto insurance policy of the other party in the accident is in place, your lawyer will take a percentage of the money recovered. If no money is recovered, the attorney will not charge you.
As a general rule, if your case is complex—meaning it requires more time and more resources to litigate—you may need to find an attorney who will take a case on a contingency fee basis. The fee for this type of representation is typically one third of any money recovered. In a simple case, an attorney may be willing to accept a contingency fee of one half.
For example, in the above situation involving a broken arm, if the lawyer agrees to take the case on a contingency fee and you recover $10,000, the lawyer will receive $3,000.
Keep in mind that contingency fees vary from state to state. Moreover, if you can find an attorney who will take your case on a contingency basis, they may require that you pay a retainer up front.
Is it possible to get a free review from a personal injury lawyer?
Some personal injury lawyers offer a free review of your case. These free reviews are usually done in person, at the lawyer’s office, and they usually last an hour. During the free consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to tell the lawyer your side of the story and discuss your injury. You can also ask any questions you may have about your particular case.
If you’re interested in getting a free consultation with a lawyer, ask your friends and family for recommendations. Or, you can go online and search for a lawyer who offers free consultations. Make sure you check the websites of a lawyer or law firm before you call them for a consultation. The information you find online will give you a sense of whether or not you should call the lawyer. For example, if the website is not up to date, or if there are spelling and grammatical errors, this may be a sign that you should look elsewhere.
However, if you find a website that looks professional and it is up to date, you can call the attorney or the law firm for a free consultation.
What are the qualifications of a good personal injury lawyer?
There is no specific certification or degree required to practice personal injury law. However, you should look for a lawyer who has a strong background in personal injury law. A good personal injury attorney will have knowledge of the following areas:
• Tort law
• Negligence
• Tennessee state court rules
• Legal precedent
• Insurance laws
• Personal injury laws
• How to calculate damages
• How to prepare a case for trial
In addition to evaluating an attorney’s experience and expertise, you should also consider the attorney’s general approach toward the practice of personal injury law. For example, you may want to find an attorney who is a good negotiator. Some lawyers are better suited to take a case all the way to trial. You should ask the attorney to explain their approach to you and the reason for it.
Finally, choose an attorney who will work well with you. You should have an attorney who is responsive, listens to your questions, and keeps you informed of the status of your case.
Can I contact a personal injury lawyer in person?
Yes. Like other lawyers, you should be able to contact personal injury lawyers by phone or in person. To find a personal injury lawyer near you, you can ask friends, family, and co-workers for recommendations. You can also go online and search for a lawyer who practices in your area.
Where can I find a list of personal injury lawyers?
You can find a list of personal injury lawyers on the Internet and in the phone book. If you want to find a lawyer in your area, you can search the Internet for “personal injury lawyers,” and your city and state. You can also go online and search for a lawyer or law firm. Larger law firms usually have a section of their website where you can search for a lawyer based on your location.
When should I consult a personal injury lawyer?
You should seek the help of a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an injury occurs. A personal injury attorney can guide you through the process and help you navigate the insurance world.
How should I choose a personal injury lawyer?
There are no hard and fast rules to choosing a personal injury lawyer. However, you should take into consideration the following:
• Experience
• Reputation
• Client References
• The attorney’s approach to the practice of personal injury law
• How well the attorney works with you
• Location
• Cost
• Whether the attorney is willing to take your case on a contingency fee basis
Can I consult with two personal injury lawyers before deciding which one to hire?
Yes. It is a good idea to speak with a few personal injury lawyers before making your decision. Choosing the right lawyer is an important decision.
Do I need a personal injury lawyer to settle my case?
You may not need a personal injury lawyer to settle your case. If your injury is relatively minor, or if you and the insurance company are able to agree on a fair settlement, you may not need the help of a lawyer.
However, if you have suffered a serious injury or if the insurance company denies that you are entitled to compensation for your injuries, you may need to speak with a personal injury lawyer to help you navigate the legal system.
What are some common injuries that result from an auto accident?
Common injuries that result from auto accidents include:
• Broken bones
• Head injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Brain injuries
• Neck injuries
• Internal injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Paralysis
• Emotional distress
• Permanent injuries
How long does it take for a personal injury lawyer to settle my case?
The time it takes to settle your case may vary depending on the complexity of the case. Some cases are settled in a relatively short period of time. In more complex cases, it may take a longer period of time.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury cases?
Different states have different statutes of limitations for personal injury cases. In Tennessee, the statute of limitations is two years from the date the injury occurs. It is a good idea to have a personal injury lawyer review your case as soon as possible after the injury occurs.
Remedies in a Personal Injury Case
What is a personal injury lawsuit?
A personal injury lawsuit is a legal action brought by one person against another to recover monetary damages for injuries suffered. Personal injury lawsuits are usually filed in state court.
In Tennessee, the court in which a personal injury lawsuit is filed depends on the amount of money being sought. If the amount being sought is more than $15,000, the case is filed in the Circuit Court. If the amount being sought is $15,000 or less, the case is filed in the General Sessions Court.
What kinds of damages can be recovered in a personal injury lawsuit?
The types of damages that are recoverable in a personal injury lawsuit depend on the type of injury that the plaintiff suffered. The most common types of monetary damages that are recoverable in personal injury lawsuits include:
• Medical expenses
• Reasonable living expenses
• Lost wages
• Mental anguish
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Punitive damages
What is a personal injury lawsuit settlement?
A personal injury lawsuit settlement is an agreement between the injured party