Personal injury law, like any justice-related field, makes for good TV. Unfortunately, as with any dramatization, these representations can play fast and loose with the details, which can lead to confusion when you actually have a personal injury case to pursue.
There are many misconceptions and misunderstandings about personal injury claims that can deter people from seeking the justice and compensation they deserve. In this blog post, we’ll clear up some of the most common misconceptions about personal injury law and shed light on the truth behind these often-complex cases.
The Most Common Misconceptions
Personal injury law is an area of law that encompasses a wide range of legal matters involving accidents, negligence, and other situations where individuals suffer physical or emotional harm. The sheer number of variables within personal injury law can make it daunting to try and understand from every angle without a law degree. Still, there are a few broad misconceptions that come up time and time again with our clients that we are glad to clear up here:
All personal injury cases go to trial.
One of the most common misconceptions about personal injury law is that all cases end up in court. In reality, a large majority of personal injury claims are settled out of court through negotiations between the parties and their respective lawyers. Trials can be lengthy, expensive, and emotionally draining, which is why many people prefer to reach a mutually acceptable settlement without going to trial. Of course, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, our skilled attorneys at Great West Injury Law are fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for the compensation you deserve.
You have plenty of time to file a claim.
Many people mistakenly believe that they have ample time to file a personal injury claim. While it’s true that each state has its own statute of limitations for filing a claim, waiting too long can put your ability to recover compensation at risk. In most cases, you have a limited window of time, typically between one and four years from the date of the accident or injury, to file a lawsuit.
Only severe injuries warrant a personal injury claim.
Another common misconception is that personal injury claims are only for individuals who have suffered severe or life-altering injuries. In truth, even relatively minor injuries can result in significant financial burdens and emotional stress. Medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering are all valid grounds for seeking compensation, regardless of the severity of your injuries.
Your insurance company will take care of everything.
Many people believe that their insurance company will take care of all their needs after an accident, including securing fair compensation for their injuries. Unfortunately, insurance companies are businesses focused on maximizing profits, and they often try to minimize the amount they pay out on claims. Working with a skilled personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complex claims process.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer is too expensive.
The thought of hiring a personal injury lawyer can be intimidating, especially when you’re already facing financial strain due to medical bills and lost wages. However, most personal injury lawyers, including those at Great West Injury Law, work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t pay any legal fees unless your lawyer successfully recovers compensation on your behalf.
Some Little-Known Facts about Personal Injury Law
To contrast with those misconceptions about personal injury law, here are a few lesser-known facts that can help broaden your understanding of this legal area:
Personal injury law covers more than just car accidents.
While car accidents are a common source of personal injury claims, the field of personal injury law actually covers a wide variety of incidents, including slip and falls, workplace accidents, dog bites, defective products, and medical malpractice. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, it’s worth consulting with an experienced attorney to determine whether you have a valid personal injury claim.
Punitive damages may be awarded in some cases.
In certain personal injury cases, the courts may award punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. Punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant for their egregious conduct and to deter others from engaging in similar behavior. Although not common, these damages can significantly increase the total amount of compensation awarded to the plaintiff.
Multiple parties can be held liable in a single personal injury case.
In some instances, more than one party can be found legally responsible for an accident or injury. This is known as joint and several liability. Depending on the specifics of the case, the injured party may be able to recover compensation from multiple defendants, which can help ensure that the plaintiff receives the full amount they’re entitled to.
Great West Injury Law Explains Everything Along the Way
Understanding personal injury law is crucial for those who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence or carelessness. If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t hesitate to contact the compassionate and experienced team at Great West Injury Law. We are committed to providing personalized, attentive care to your case, explaining every step along the way to make sure you’re not in the dark.
Contact us for a free consultation on your case.
