It might be from a car accident, slip and fall, or a medical negligence, but every day people are injury through no fault of their own. This often causes injuries ranging from soft tissue to broken bones, and sometimes fatalities. In order to hold the at-fault party responsible, there are plenty of reasons why an injured victim should consider hiring a personal injury to protect their interests. But what kinds of special qualifications are there for lawyers who deal with personal injuries?
What is a “personal injury” lawyer? How can they help me?
Personal injury lawyers provide representation and file lawsuits on behalf of a person who has been somehow physically harmed by someone else, and a personal injury can take many forms. Medical malpractice, motor vehicle accidents, and injuries at a workplace can all be the cause of a personal injury. Often times a personal injury lawyer will file a lawsuit where one person or company has been “negligent,” meaning that they have failed to fulfil their duty to keep an injured person safe. In a state like New Hampshire, where courts also consider “comparative negligence,” personal injury attorneys may also have to argue that the injury was only the fault of the other party and not the injured person. A personal injury lawyer will investigate your situation and give you all the information you need to make a claim.
Just like other lawyers, a personal injury lawyer will be able to take what they learn from investigation and tell you the best way to move forward. A personal injury lawyer will make sure that you file a lawsuit against the right person or organization. Other drivers on the road, businesses you enter, or other people’s homes that you visit will all likely be covered by an insurance policy. If you’re injured by another’s driving or the state of their home or business then you may have to negotiate or even file your lawsuit against the insurance company, rather than the person or business who hurt you, in order to recover. A personal injury lawyer can help you sort this out, and make sure that insurance companies don’t take advantage of you.
Like other lawyers, again, a personal injury lawyer will make sure that you get the most out of your lawsuit. The purpose of a personal injury lawsuit is usually to allow an injured person to recover “damages,” or monetary compensation, for what they’ve been through. In New Hampshire, there are three types of damages for which an injured person can sue: economic damages, non-economic damages, and enhanced compensatory damages. Economic damages cover an injured persons costs, such as medical expenses or lost wages, and are fairly simple to calculate. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, cover areas such as pain and suffering or emotional harm that an injured person suffers from their incident and are harder to calculate. Enhanced compensatory damages are only awarded in exceptional cases where the party who caused an injury did so in a way that was “wanton, malicious, or oppressive.” A personal injury lawyer will argue on your behalf to make sure that you receive as much compensation as you are due.
After experiencing a serious injury, you not only have to deal with your own pain and discomfort, but you may also be overwhelmed by all of the new problems that come along with that pain. Sometimes insurance companies will want to talk about your claims, or police officers may want to hear your story, or doctors may be constantly reminding you of the trauma that you’ve just endured.
During a time like this, which can be confusing and difficult to deal with alone, a personal injury lawyer can help you to organize your life and help you deal with the problems you’re facing more quickly and more easily. A personal injury lawyer can also help you make sure that you receive compensation for all the trauma and complications that you may have to endure. A personal injury lawyer can help you to use the insurance companies, police, and doctors to receive the best outcome possible in your case.
Have you sustained a personal injury and believe that someone else may be responsible? You need representation from attorneys who know the law on personal injuries, and who understand how to represent people who have been hurt. The attorneys at Douglas, Leonard & Garvey, P.C., have just the experience you need on your side. Our office can be reached at (603) 288-1403 or through our online contact form.