How does a lawyer evaluate a personal injury case?

If you have been injured at work while visiting somewhere or by a complete accident, you may have dozens of unanswered questions. One of the most common queries people have is, “do I have a good case?” Although every case will be unique, there are some signs that you may have a more substantial chance than others. Below are some of the factors that an experienced personal injury attorney in West Valley City, UT, may examine to evaluate a case. Although you may find some helpful information in this article, it is highly advised that you contact an injury law firm to schedule a consultation with a legal professional.

Factors that generally make a stronger case

Determining who is at fault

Don’t automatically despair if you believe the accident was your fault. There is always a chance that the accident indeed resulted in circumstances that you could not foresee or account for. Experienced injury attorneys have seen hundreds if not thousands of accidents ranging from traffic collisions to slip and falls to accidents that happened at work or while performing job description duties. Regardless of why you believe an accident occurred, it is always best to speak with an attorney to truly know where you stand in the eyes of the law.

Understanding the full scope of your injuries

Another factor that will be considered is how much damage has truly been sustained from the accident. There are obvious property harms, like personal property or a vehicle with sustained damage from the accident. But some damages are more difficult for the average person to quantify. This is especially the case if your injuries are so severe that you can no longer work or pursue the same career. In these cases, your attorney may decide to employ the services of a lifecare planner. This medical professional can create a comprehensive document that will detail the estimated dollar amount the injured individual will need for the rest of their life.

Pain and suffering

Apart from out of pocket expenses, such as lost time from work, or medical expenses, we have pain and suffering. These monetary awards are meant to compensate for physical, emotional, and mental suffering from the accident. The amount awarded is going to vary widely based on the severity of any injuries sustained. In a simple rear-end accident, we may find that the injuries are relatively minor and will resolve themselves within a few months. In other situations, a spinal injury may result in paralysis, and the compensation may be much larger.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. This website contains general information relating to areas of law familiar to our firm. The information should not be construed as legal advice or other professional advice. You should not rely on the contents of this website as such. Participation on this website does not create any kind of attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice or representation, please contact my office, and I would be pleased to discuss your case with you and see if my firm can help.