When Should You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Philadelphia?
Personal injury claims can be complicated, especially if you’re dealing with physical injuries, medical bills, insurance companies, and the legal system all at once. If you live in Philadelphia and have been injured in an accident, it’s essential to understand when you should seek the assistance of a personal injury lawyer. A knowledgeable attorney can help you receive fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss the various circumstances under which hiring a personal injury lawyer is crucial, what types of cases they handle, and how to choose the right attorney for your case.
3. Insurance Company Denies or Delays Your Claim
Dealing with insurance companies can be one of the most frustrating aspects of a personal injury case. Insurance adjusters may deny your claim outright or delay the process in hopes that you’ll settle for a lower amount than you deserve. They may also use tactics to undervalue your claim, such as questioning the severity of your injuries or arguing that pre-existing conditions contributed to your injuries.
5. You’re Offered a Low Settlement
If the insurance company offers you a settlement that seems low, it’s a good idea to consult with a lawyer before accepting it. Insurance companies often make lowball offers in the hope that injured individuals will accept them out of desperation or lack of understanding about the true value of their claim. Unfortunately, once you accept a settlement, you usually give up the right to pursue additional compensation in the future.
A personal injury lawyer will review the settlement offer and determine whether it’s fair based on the facts of your case. If the offer is insufficient, your lawyer can negotiate for a higher amount. If necessary, they can also file a lawsuit and take your case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
6. The Statute of Limitations Is Approaching
Every state has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which is the time limit you have to file a lawsuit after an accident. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
If you’re nearing the statute of limitations and haven’t yet filed a claim, it’s crucial to hire a lawyer as soon as possible. They can quickly assess your case, gather evidence, and ensure your lawsuit is filed in time. Waiting too long to seek legal assistance could jeopardize your ability to recover damages.
7. Emotional Distress or Pain and Suffering
In addition to physical injuries, personal injury claims can also involve emotional distress pain, and suffering. These non-economic damages can be more difficult to quantify than medical bills or lost wages, but they are just as important. If your injury has caused significant emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, or a reduced quality of life, a lawyer can help you seek compensation for these damages.
A personal injury lawyer will work with mental health professionals to assess the impact of your injuries on your emotional well-being and help you build a strong case for non-economic damages.
8. Negotiating with Experts
Personal injury cases often involve expert testimony from professionals such as doctors, accident reconstruction specialists, and economists. These experts can provide valuable insights into the extent of your injuries, how the accident occurred, and the financial impact of your injuries.
A lawyer will know how to identify and work with the right experts to strengthen your case. They can also effectively present expert testimony in court to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
How to Choose the Right Personal Injury Lawyer in Philadelphia
Now that you understand when to hire a personal injury lawyer, the next step is finding the right attorney for your case. There are many personal injury lawyers in Philadelphia, but not all of them will be a good fit for your needs. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a lawyer:
1. Experience and Specialization
Look for a lawyer who has extensive experience handling personal injury cases similar to yours. Personal injury law is a broad field, and a lawyer who specializes in car accidents may not have the same expertise in medical malpractice or product liability cases. Ask about their track record of success in cases like yours and whether they have experience taking cases to trial if necessary.
Name of law firm: Law Offices of Eric A Shore
Address: 1500 John F Kennedy Blvd #1240, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
Phone: 215-627-9999
Website URL: https://www.1800cantwork.com
