|
As a personal injury attorney , it always amazes me how many questions I get about what exactly it is I do all day. "What exactly do you do?" seems to be asked of me rather often. I suppose that is a fair question. When I hear this, I believe the person is really asking "How can you help me?" Most folks sort of know what we do as PI attorneys - they just want to know how we can specifically assist their needs. For starters, each and every day at a personal injury law firm is quite different. Yet most firms have a systematic approach for cases - each varies greatly based on the type of case, the extent of the injuries and the sheer number of parties who are involved. A slip and fall case is very different from an automobile accident so it goes without saying that each personal injury case is completely different from the next. However, we do use a fairly standardized approach to every case - an approach that seems to serve my clients and me rather well over the long run. Step by Step As previously mentioned not every case is exactly alike. Your case may differ from these steps below, but each case has at least a few elements of the sequence below. Most personal injury attorneys will: Evaluate your case/claim and educate the client about deadlines and strategy. Directly handle all communication with insurance companies. Organize all documentation. Analyze your insurance policy and determine the amount of coverage that may or may not apply. This coverage could include medical bills, and/or property damage bills as well. At this time, we also may make recommendations for enhancements to your insurance policy to protect you in the future. Interview any witnesses that may have witnessed the accident itself. Gather any necessary evidence. Study and understand medical records and how they could impact a case or claim. Determine whether any money already pail on medical bills should be reimbursed by the insurance company. Scour the validity of the case. This may include analysis of other parties who may be entitled to part of your claim recovery amount. Organize and prepare a demand package and submit the package to the insurance company. Decide whether the case should be negotiated or an all-out legal suit should be filed. This depends on many different factors and in your input is essential. Should a lawsuit be pursued, prepare witnesses, testimonies, and possibly take depositions from healthcare providers, or other medical specialists. Prep for the depositions by preparing questions and answers for the defendant and any other necessary individuals. Gather all necessary data for the defendant's claim and their insurance company. Set the trial date. Prepare for trial, possible arbitration and possible settlement. Prepare for any demonstrations or medical exhibits which could be used throughout the trial. Eliminate surprises by filing briefs and motions with the court. Take the case to trial. Analyze the verdict and decide whether there is cause or need for appeal. Concluding Thoughts Just like the "how much does a personal injury cost?" question, the "what does a personal injury lawyer do?" question really comes down to what’s in it for you. Having a firm grasp of the above steps can help you gauge how well a personal injury lawyer will fight for you and your case. Most importantly, work with personal injury attorney who you trust. Unfortunately your financial future and well-being may be on the line. Be sure to put your case in the hands of a personal injury attorney you can trust. Check out The Law Offices of Kevin P. Landry's website to get more information on why you need to get a personal injury lawyer.
Related Articles -
personal injury lawyer, personal injury attorney, personal injury,
| 
