What Does an Injury Lawyer Do?

An injury lawyer, also called a personal injury attorney or a personal injury law firm, helps people file legal claims against individuals or entities for hurting them. This area of law, sometimes referred to as tort law, lets injured parties recover damages in court for physical, emotional, and reputational harm caused by others’ unreasonable or careless conduct. Examples of personal injury cases include car accidents, injuries at a business that is open to the public (“premises liability” cases), and workplace injuries.

An Injury Lawyer’s Job

The main role of an injury lawyer is to provide representation for their clients throughout the legal process, including negotiating with insurance companies and filing lawsuits when negotiations are unsuccessful. A good injury lawyer will be able to determine the strength of a client’s case by reviewing medical records and interviewing witnesses. They will also be familiar with relevant laws and regulations, such as those governing vehicle safety standards and the use of prescription drugs.

Another important job of an injury lawyer is to make sure that all medical expenses and other losses are properly addressed in a claim. This includes compensation for the following:

A quality injury lawyer will be able to explain how much each of these items is worth in dollar terms, taking into account the severity of an injury’s impact on a person’s life. They will also consider whether the injury has lasting effects and ongoing costs.

Many injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning that they are only paid if they win their clients’ cases. This can be a risky career choice, as it means that an attorney may not be able to take on every case that comes their way. Regardless of how they charge, it’s vital that injury lawyers are clear and upfront about their fees with potential clients during an initial consultation.

One of the most challenging aspects of being an injury lawyer is dealing with highly emotional clients. This is because the injury attorney must be able to remain professional while providing comfort and support. This can be difficult, especially if the case involves a particularly severe or traumatic injury.

In addition, a good injury lawyer will be familiar with the tactics insurance companies often use to reduce the amount of money they pay out on claims. They will know which questions to ask an insurance company and the best ways to handle an aggressive insurance adjuster. An injury lawyer will also be able to ensure that a victim is not pressured into accepting a lower settlement than they deserve. They will also keep on top of insurance companies that are slow to remit payments. This can be very frustrating for someone who is already suffering from serious injuries.