The laws of the United States cover many different topics. It would be difficult for any attorney to be an expert on every topic, so most attorneys specialize in one particular area of the law. Personal injury attorneys are attorneys who specialize in handling cases involving people who are seeking compensation for injuries.
Types of Personal Injury Cases
One of the most common reasons a person may need a personal injury attorney Columbia MD is an injury suffered in an automobile accident. Automobile accidents often result from the negligent actions of one or more drivers and those drivers may be legally liable for the injuries suffered by the other party. A personal injury attorney can help an injured party recover compensation for their injuries.
Other types of personal injury cases include public transportation accidents, pedestrian accidents, boating accidents, slip and fall accidents, premises liability and animal bites. Medical malpractice, product liability and workplace injury claims may also sometimes be handled by personal injury attorneys.
Investigation of Claims
Part of a personal injury attorney’s job is to investigate claims to determine whether they think the client has a strong case, establish a value for the case and gather evidence to help prove the client’s case. The attorney may review the police report, interview witnesses, take photographs of accident scenes and gather medical reports, bills, estimates and other documentation.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Because insurance companies usually have more assets than individuals who cause accidents, much of the work personal injury lawyers do is focused on getting a fair settlement from the insurance company. However, if an agreement is not reached, the attorney may assist the client with filing a lawsuit.
Personal injury attorneys deal with injury cases every day. Most injured people do not. Personal injury attorneys can be a valuable resource for clients who may not have the knowledge base to successfully negotiate a fair settlement for their claim.