Let’s start at the beginning…
For a case to be heard, you must have sustained an injury or sustained damage to your property as the result of wrongful or negligent actions by a third person or entity. Common cases include traffic accidents, construction accidents, dog bites, defective products, and medical malpractice.
Unfortunately, these types of incidents happen very regularly. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics, 31 million people are injured severely enough every year in the US to require medical treatment. An estimated 52% of these injuries resulted from motor vehicle accidents, 15% were related to medical malpractice, and 5% as a result of product liability, with the remainder falling into the “other” category. Approximately 2 million of these injuries were severe enough to require some form of hospitalization. Sadly, 162,000 of these injuries are fatal.
If you’ve suffered an injury in an accident, you might be wondering if it makes sense to hire a personal injury lawyer. You may be working with your insurance company already, so do you need a personal injury lawyer to secure a favorable settlement?
If you have suffered serious bodily injuries, the answer is yes. Even if you’re working with your insurance company, it is important to at least consult with a personal injury attorney. If–after the consultation– it is determined that you have a case, it is likely you will find it to be well worth your financial investment to hire a the attorney to represent you. Remember: your insurance company is a for-profit business. It’s not uncommon for an insurance claims adjuster to try to reduce or eliminate your damages, sometimes even offering you a settlement that is 25-50% lower than the case is worth. You can increase your odds of being compensated fairly by hiring a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney.
Most people have little to no experience navigating the legal system. After a serious accident or injury, you may be in pain. You may be going to doctors’ appointments and physical therapy sessions several times a week, or dealing with financial issues stemming from medical expenses and lost wages. Hiring a qualified personal injury attorney will give you an advocate during this stressful time, providing you with compassionate and knowledgeable guidance regarding your case as you focus on your recovery. In addition to answering your questions and addressing your concerns, a good personal injury attorney will:
- Assess and explain your legal options.
- Determine and investigate the accident.
- Gather witness statements and other critical evidence.
- Consult with experts when needed
- Develop a strategy to accomplish your legal goals.
- Assist and file the claim and any additional paperwork.
- Negotiate with insurance company representatives on your behalf.
- Calculate direct and indirect expenses related to your injuries to counter any unfair settlement offers.
- Litigate your case if it goes to court.
At the law office of Arthur C. Crum, Jr., our goal is to provide you with clear and accurate legal services, and ensure that you are aware of, and understand, the status of your case every step of the way. Whether it be for trial, litigation or other legal proceedings, we place great emphasis on preparation of each individual case. We will meet with you to review the appropriate testimony and documents, explain the legal processes involved, and maintain timely contact, including telephone calls, to keep you up to date.
Arthur C. Crum, Jr. has championed the rights of individuals who have been injured, working to ensure that they are compensated for their loss. As your legal representative, Mr. Crum calls upon more than 30 years of legal experience in cases involving workers’ compensation, serious car accidents, personal injuries, medical malpractice, wrongful death and premises lability. For more information email [email protected] or call 301-662-4088
