When you or someone you love has suffered a personal injury, the experience can be traumatic. Whether the incident involved a car accident, slip and fall, or dog bite, there are many details to deal with including medical issues, insurance paperwork, lost time at work, and more.
While each case is unique, below are key questions you will most likely have when you are pursuing a personal injury claim. To fully understand each of these topics and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, consult an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through the entire process.
- Who will be held responsible? Discovering who is liable for an incident is not simply a matter of pointing a finger or engaging in a “he said-she said” exercise. All the facts and circumstances surrounding the case need to be carefully examined. Sometimes individuals other than the person who caused the injury are responsible, including the owner of a vehicle if the owner is not the driver, or the general contractor or property owner if a subcontractor causes an injury. Getting a qualified attorney involved as soon as possible is crucial for investigating what happened and protecting your rights.
- Who will pay for my medical bills? In general, you are responsible for paying your medical bills before your personal injury claim is settled. In the case of an automobile accident, New York’s “No-Fault” law applies, which allows for the payment of medical expenses as well as limited compensation for basic economic losses regardless of who is at fault. Keep track of all medical-related expenses, including insurance co-pays and out-of-pocket expenses to ensure you have proper documentation to submit as part of your claim.
- What role does the insurance company play? Insurance companies are looking out for their own interests and want to limit payments as much as possible. The best way to make sure you are being adequately compensated for your injuries is by using a personal injury lawyer to do the negotiating for you and/or preparing your case for trial if necessary.
- Can I get compensation for the time I missed from work? Yes. As part of a personal injury claim, a lawyer will pursue any losses you incur, including lost earnings. Additionally, while you are unable to work because of a serious injury you may qualify for short-term or long-term disability. If the injury is caused by a car accident, no-fault will apply and you will be eligible to obtain a percentage of your lost earnings. Whether it’s part of a personal injury claim, a disability claim or a no-fault claim, you may need a letter from your physician describing the injuries that prevent you from working and a letter from your employer verifying that you indeed missed work for that period.
- Can I get money for my pain and suffering? Pain and suffering can include actual pain, psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression, and physical injuries and limitations that result from your personal injury. In order to receive compensation, you must present credible evidence to support the financial judgement you seek. Hiring an attorney will help you determine what you are entitled to and how you can obtain compensation by way of a settlement or a verdict from a jury.
- When dealing with a personal injury, there are a lot of things to take into account. At LaMarche Safranko Law, we understand that each case is different and are prepared to work with you to investigate every aspect of your case and make sure you are being properly compensated. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients, while helping them put their lives back together after a devastating injury. Contact us today for a free consultation at (518) 982-0770 or online.
