If you have been involved in an accident caused by someone’s negligence and you are looking for the best lawyers out there to help you, then you are welcome to this page.
In this article, I will do everything within my capacity to break down everything I have learned, why you need a personal injury lawyer if you work in the US and the best place to get them. But first, let’s break down the term personal Injury, what it means, and how to file for one.
The term personal injury refers to serious harm done to a person as a result of the carelessness or negligence of another person or group of persons. It can be caused by any number of incidents such as car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, or slip-and-fall accidents.
This means that the higher the danger in your workplace, the higher your chances of having an injury. For example, if you work in any of these places:
Construction, Manufacturing, Transportation, Transportation, Healthcare, Oil and gas, Logging, Fishing, Mining, Law enforcement Firefighting, Military-where you are exposed to a variety of hazards, diseases, needlesticks, lifting patients, falling objects, Moving trucks, electrical hazards, power tools, machinery, chemicals, and repetitive motion. You are at higher risk of personal injuries.
Read Also: Top Construction Accident Lawyers in the US
Whenever a person is injured on the job, he or she is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is a system that provides financial assistance to workers who are injured or become ill as a result of their jobs. But in case no such plan exists, it is necessary to file for a case, and this is the reason you might need a personal injury lawyer.
Personal Injury Lawyers
Personal injury lawyers are a special breed of lawyers. They specialize in helping people who have been injured in accidents or due to the negligence of others. Personal injury lawyers can be a great asset to people who have been injured, but they can also be a source of frustration and humour. And remember, if you’re ever involved in an accident, don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself. After all, even personal injury lawyers can be funny sometimes.
Read Also: How to Buy a Car in Canada with Car Insurance
Here is a look at the good and the bad sides of personal injury lawyers:
The Good
- Personal injury lawyers can help people who have been injured get the compensation they need to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
- Personal injury lawyers can stand up to insurance companies and other powerful corporations on behalf of their clients.
- Personal injury lawyers can help people get the justice they deserve after being injured.
The Bad
- Some personal injury lawyers are ambulance chasers who prey on people who have just been injured.
- Some personal injury lawyers are more interested in making money than in helping their clients.
- Some personal injury lawyers are incompetent and don’t know what they’re doing.
Of course, not all personal injury lawyers are bad or incompetent. There are many honest and hardworking personal injury lawyers who are dedicated to helping their clients. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential pitfalls of working with a personal injury lawyer before you hire one.
In the US for example, there are over 50k personal injury lawyers. If you’re considering hiring a personal injury lawyer from the US, Texas is one of the best places with many of them and they are quite affordable when you compare to other locations in the US.
I will advise if you are hiring a lawyer, always do your research before choosing a lawyer so as to ensure you are hiring a reputable and experienced one. Also more importantly, make sure that you understand the terms of your contract before you sign it. It is very important.
Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Texas, USA.
- Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents (Fort Worth)
- Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., Injury & Accident Lawyers (Houston)
- Fielding Law Auto Accident Attorneys (Mesquite)
- The Law Offices of Brent Coon & Associates (Dallas)
- The Law Firm of Grossman, Alexander & Associates (Fort Worth)
- The Law Offices of John H. Bickel & Associates, P.C. (Houston)
- The Law Firm of Tad R. Smith (Denton)
- The Law Firm of Thomas J. Henry (San Antonio)
- The Law Offices of Tim Melton (Dallas)
- The Law Offices of Todd Tracy (Amarillo)
- The Law Offices of Ward Black Law Firm (Lubbock)
These lawyers have a proven track record of success in representing clients who have been injured in accidents, including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and falls and medical malpractice.
They are skilled litigators who are not afraid to take on insurance companies and other powerful corporations. They are also compassionate and understanding lawyers who will fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do I Need A Personal Injury Attorney?
Personal injury claims are often long and complicated, and insurance companies will often protect their own interests at the expense of the injury victim. While you can always file a personal injury claim yourself, it may not be in your best interest—insurance companies have a wealth of resources and professional experience that they will utilize to deny or reduce your claim award. Hiring a personal injury attorney can give you the peace of mind you need when going up against big insurance companies. The attorney will serve as your advocate, and because they are knowledgeable of the laws and procedures, they will have the experience needed to help get you the best offer possible.
How Are Contingency Fees Determined?
Contingency fees are a percentage of the amount that is recovered through a settlement or personal injury award. The percentage usually ranges between 30 to 40 percent. The percentage can be less or more depending on when a settlement is reached, or whether a settlement is never reached but an award is won at trial.
Under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, the contingency fee percentage and how much of a percentage at what point in the case will be used must be determined before representation begins and be in the contingency fee agreement that the client must sign.
Shifting Contingency fee Percentages
The percentage that a personal injury attorney will earn usually increases the further into the case a settlement is reached. The lowest percentage is earned if a settlement is reached before a lawsuit is filed. A middle percentage is earned if the case settles after the lawsuit is filed, but before going to trial. The highest percentage is earned if the personal injury case goes to trial and a personal injury award is issued.
Consider this example: A contingency fee agreement stipulates that the attorney’s fee will be 33% if a settlement is reached before a lawsuit is filed, 36% if a settlement is reached after a lawsuit is filed but before the case goes to trial, and 40% if the case goes to trial and a personal injury award is issued for damages. The case does not settle but goes to trial and a verdict for the client is issued for damages in the amount of $40,000. In this case, the attorney’s fees would be $16,000 (40% of $40,000) and the client would get $24,000 after the attorney’s fees are paid.
Who Pays the Expenses Incurred and When Are They Paid?
Personal injury cases will come along with certain expenses. The expenses will increase if a lawsuit is filed in the case. Typical expenses involved in a personal injury case include:
- Filing fees – certain documents filed with the court require a filing fee.
- Serving the parties – the Sheriff will charge a fee to serve the other party.
- Court reporter fees – a court reporter may be required if depositions are taken.
- Transcript fees – there will be transcript fees from depositions and if the case goes to trial.
- Expert witness fees – expert medical testimony may be required.
- Copying costs – medical records, witness statements, police reports, as well as many other documents may be necessary.
- Police reports.
- Medical records.
- Investigator fees and expenses – many personal injury attorneys work with trained investigators to help investigate the claims and to find evidence to support the client’s case.
- Postage costs.
- Trial exhibits.
Some personal injury attorneys pay all expenses and costs and recoup the costs out of the settlement or personal injury award on top of receiving their contingency fee percentage. Other personal injury attorneys make the client pay all costs and expenses as they occur. A potential client can ask the attorney before representation begins how costs and expenses will be paid and what the client’s responsibility will be.
Costs and contingency fees should be determined in advance. If the attorney pays all expenses upfront then expenses can be deducted before fees are calculated and deducted from a settlement or personal injury award or after fees are calculated and deducted. This should be determined before representation begins as well.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Personal Injury Attorney?
There are no upfront costs when you sign on the Lawboss. We will take your case on a contingency fee basis. In other words, we do not get paid unless we reach a settlement on your case. Once a settlement is reached, our fee will be a percentage of the amount awarded. However, we do not charge a fee, if a settlement is not reached.
How Much Will My Personal Injury Case Be Worth?
It is impossible to put an exact dollar amount on your case up front regardless of what any other lawyer or law firm might tell you. The Lawboss will investigate the extent of your injuries, medical expenses, and other damages to negotiate the best possible settlement for you. Each case is unique. To learn more about what you may be entitled to call the Lawboss and speak to one of our experienced team members about pursuing a claim.
How Long Will It Take To Resolve My Personal Injury Case?
Because each case is unique, it is impossible to say how long it will take to resolve your personal injury case. It is vital to complete your medical treatment as the length of your case largely depends on how long your injuries take to heal. When handling your case, our team members will keep you updated on what to expect from your case.