Injuries happen all the time. Unfortunately, some of those injuries are due to the negligence of another person or business. When you have been injured, the first thing you will likely think about is your health. Depending on how severe your injuries are, your next thought will usually be about paying for your injuries, damages, and recovery. In this instance, many people seek to recoup their damages by pursuing a personal injury claim. Before moving forward with your case, it is important to have clear expectations of what will be required of you financially, how much your case is worth, as well as alternative methods of being compensated for injuries (that don’t involve going to court). Learn more about the costs of personal injury claims and how they can affect your case below.
Cost vs. Fees
There is a big difference between the attorney fees associated with a personal injury claim and the costs that can be incurred. Personal injury attorneys usually work on a contingency basis. Essentially, they do not get paid unless you get paid. However, there are costs that can come along with a claim such as court costs, administrative fees, cost of investigating and/or hiring an expert witness, etc. Ensure that you have an in-depth conversation with your attorney regarding their fees as well as the potential costs of the case.
Know How Much Your Personal Injury Case is Worth
Before pursuing a personal injury claim, it is imperative to have an understanding of how much your case is worth. That will depend on the severity of your injuries, whether or not you are within the statute of limitations, and how well you have documented your injuries as well as the accident.
Will the Losing Party be Liable For All Legal Fees?
In general, each party must pay its own legal fees regardless of the outcome of the case. However, in some jurisdictions like California, the prevailing party can recover some (or all) of their attorney fees and costs depending on the type of case. It is important to know what your potential liabilities will be whether or not you win or lose your case. This will help you to properly assess risks and determine if pursuing a personal injury case is worth it.
Documentation is Key
According to the attorneys at Timothy J. Ryan & Associates documentation is an important aspect of presenting a strong personal injury case. It is important to document the accident, injury, rehabilitation costs, loss of income, etc. Without the appropriate documentation, your case may be weak and not yield the positive results that you desire. Furthermore, ironclad evidence collection and documentation may persuade the insurance company or individual to settle the claim before it gets to court. This will likely result in lowered costs for your claim.
Ways To Get Compensation Without Suing
Filing a personal injury claim does not mean that you are suing the at-fault party (yet). In many cases, viable personal injury claims lead to a settlement before it ever gets to court. This is especially true if you have presented strong evidence and are working with an aggressive and experienced personal injury attorney. Just the threat of a lawsuit can convince insurance companies to settle. In the case that they are not willing to do so, it is important to understand that a personal injury lawsuit can take months to years to conclude. Do not be tempted to take a settlement that is below the value that you deserve.