When Should I Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm?
In 2021, approximately 62 million people in the United States sought medical treatment for various injuries. That's about 20% of the country's population.
Accidents are common. As personal injury lawyers, we want essential knowledge to be common as well. An injury can be a life-changing event, and it's crucial to know when to reach out to a personal injury law firm. At Oleen Law Firm, we're all about providing you with the right information at the right time. We've put together some scenarios where legal representation is not just advisable, but completely necessary.
When Your Injuries Are Serious
If you've suffered a catastrophic injury, such as a severe burn or traumatic brain damage, that significantly impacts your quality of life, it's time to pick up the phone and call a personal injury firm. We can't take away the pain, but we can help you navigate through the legal process. It's our job to fight for the compensation you deserve, so you can focus on what's most important — your recovery.
Just because your injuries are severe, financial compensation won't be a given. And insurance companies may offer you an attractive settlement that's actually a low-ball offer. Never underestimate the value of your case. An experienced personal injury lawyer will have the experience to assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and future medical needs, and advocate for the maximum compensation you deserve.
When Fault Isn't Obvious
Kansas is a no-fault insurance state. This means that after an accident, you must seek compensation for your costs from your own insurance company first, regardless of who was at fault. However, there are exceptions. If you suffered a serious injury, you may be able to file a case against the at-fault party.
What Your Claim Needs to Prove
If you're pursuing a personal injury claim, you need to prove four things:
Duty of care: The at-fault party had a legal obligation to act in a way that wouldn't harm others.
Breach of duty: They failed to uphold their duty of care and caused your injuries.
Causation: Your injuries were directly caused by the breach of duty.
Damages: You suffered financial, physical, or emotional harm as a result of the accident.
Liability isn't always clear-cut, and it can be hard to prove without the right resources. In these cases, insurance companies will often try to shift blame onto the victim, and without a skilled personal injury attorney on your side, you could end up shouldering the financial burden for someone else's mistake.
It's also important to note the comparative fault rule in Kansas. If the accident was 50% or more your fault, you will not be able to recover financial compensation. Navigating through all these rules and regulations can be daunting, but that's where a personal injury attorney can help.
A personal injury law firm has the knowledge and resources to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case to prove these elements. Without proper representation, you may struggle to collect the necessary evidence and present your case effectively.
When You Need to Deal With Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can feel like climbing an endless mountain. They often try to minimize your claim or deny it altogether. It's too much to handle when you're already handling an injury. Insurers know this; that's why they exploit it. But your injury attorney will have your back. At Oleen Law firm, we handle all communication with the insurance company.
Insurance companies have a team of professionals working for them, so why shouldn't you? At Oleen Law Firm, we don't just negotiate a fair settlement—we fight for it. And if we need to take your case to court, we're prepared to do so. We serve clients throughout Manhattan, Kansas, and Junction City, and we're ready to serve you too.
Questions to Ask During Your Consultation
If you're considering hiring a personal injury law firm, be sure to ask questions during your consultation. Some important ones include:
How many years of experience do you have in personal injury law?
What percentage of your cases go to trial?
Have you handled any cases similar to mine? What were the outcomes?
Who will be handling my case and how often can I expect updates?
What is your fee structure?
Asking these questions can help you understand the level of experience and dedication a law firm has towards handling personal injury cases. It's important to feel confident in your legal representation, and asking questions during the consultation process can help ensure that you choose the right firm for your specific goals and needs.
Get Help Today
Remember, time is of the essence in personal injury cases. In Kansas, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. Don't wait until it's too late—contact us well before this deadline to ensure that your case is filed in a timely manner.
Navigating a personal injury case can be overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with medical treatments and recovery. Let us handle the legal aspects while you focus on healing. We're here to guide you through each step and provide you with the support you need.
So, when should you contact a personal injury law firm? The moment you consider it. At Oleen Law Firm, we're here to help. Reach out to us today, and let's get you the justice you deserve.