At the Law Office of Gregory E. Price, we want to answer all of your questions. To begin, here are some frequently asked questions that our clients ask.
How do I know if I have a case?
The key thing to understand in a personal injury case is negligence. This is the legal term that describes the action – or lack of action – that contributed to the accident.
If someone does not use reasonable care to avoid causing an accident, they may be held responsible if one occurs. For example, it is reasonable to expect restaurant staff to clean up spills right away so customers do not slip on the wet floor. It is also reasonable to expect a landlord to provide a house that has been maintained. If someone leans on a decayed wooden railing on a porch and falls, the landlord may be held responsible.
What evidence do I need to prove that the other party was at fault?
If you have been in an accident, make sure you keep good records. Write down everything you remember as soon as you can – the date and time of the accident, the weather conditions, names and contact information of the people involved and any witnesses, and a timeline of the event.
Document every medical appointment, keep all medical records and bills, and store all emails and letters about the accident. Find more details in a previous post, entitled “I’ve Never Been Involved in a Lawsuit, but I Just Got Injured. What Should I Do?”
How much should I expect in damages?
This is a difficult question to answer because there is no one-size-fits all case. Generally, people may seek compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, future lost wages, loss of use of part of your body, loss of enjoyment, and pain and suffering.
When you speak with a personal injury attorney, you will discuss the details of the accident, resulting injuries, and possible negligence involved. Then, the attorney will create a proposal with your best interests in mind.
It’s important to understand that the other party is not always held 100% responsible. The injured person may have contributed to the accident in a large or small way. For example, if someone is hit by a car and suffers severe injuries, they may have a case. However, if the injured person jumped in front of the car as a prank, the driver may not be held entirely responsible for the accident.
In cases of shared fault, both parties may agree split the damages by the percentage they were at fault.
Why would I settle a case?
Approximately 95% of personal injury cases are settled out of court. Because the courts are scheduled months and even years in advance, a personal injury settlement will resolve your case and get any compensation to you faster than waiting for a court date.
Settling a case also keeps costs down. With a lawsuit, you will need to pay fees for filing court documents, serving your defendant with the lawsuit, and your personal injury attorney’s time preparing to present your case.
Another important reason to consider settling a case is your personal wellbeing. If you have been severely injured by an accident, you may have difficulty traveling to court and sitting for long periods of time. Settling a case means you can stay focused on healing as you get your life back on track.
The Law Office of Gregory E. Price can promptly investigate your personal injury claim and provide you with an evaluation, while ensuring that you receive proper medical treatment and that your bills are handled in a timely manner. For a free consultation, call us at (360) 828-5879, or fill out our Contact Us form. We will be happy to talk to you about the specific details of your case and answer any questions you may have.
