Everyone has an opinion, but what are the facts? Below we uncover 5 basic misconceptions about personal injury lawsuits that can hinder a victim in achieving fair and just compensation for their loss.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by the negligence or irresponsibility of another person, you have the right to seek fair compensation through our court system. This often includes filing a personal injury claim. These claims can range from simple automobile accidents to complex medical malpractice and even wrongful death. However, far too often, many victims feel hesitant or unsure of their legal footing because the aftermath of an accident can be extremely stressful and confusing. Medical treatments, financial losses and the inability to work can be overwhelming. Furthermore, pursuing a personal injury claim sometimes has a stigma attached to it because of popular opinion about how such claims work. At best, the ideas that some people attach to a personal injury claim are mere misconceptions, while many are outright falsehoods. And unfortunately, these myths prevent many people from seeking the fair and just compensation they deserve. At Weinstein & Cohen, it’s our hope that by dispelling the following five myths about personal injury lawsuits, we can help you or a loved one achieve the recovery and compensation that is deserved.
Myth #1 – A Lawsuit Doesn’t Work Against Someone with Little Money
The inherent problem here is that this notion is often tied to another misconception – the person at fault will have to pay out of his or her own pocket. It most cases, it is the defendant’s insurance company that will pay the settlement and not the individual. And if the insurance policy of that defendant does not provide much coverage, a skilled attorney may be able to find fault against multiple defendants depending on the specific nature of the case thus increasing the chances that the amount awarded in compensation will correspond the injuries suffered.
Myth #2 – If you Suffered Minor Injuries, it’s not Worth Pursuing a Case
A broken finger in a slip and fall accident in grocery store because of negligently spilled eggs may not seem inherently like a big problem at first. But even though an injury may seem mundane, it may still require medical treatment and rehabilitation. Additionally, an injury such as a broken finger can have a catastrophic effect on the professional potential and career of an aspiring concert pianist, golfer or virtual reality game coder. Injuries, whether extensive or not serious, may also prevent victims from temporarily or even permanently working, and a personal injury claim can help seek compensation for past and future wages lost. Furthermore, and beyond the physical, accidents can also result in extensive emotional damage including: post traumatic stress, anxiety, fear and depression. A personal injury claim can also help victims seek emotional damages to compensate for the psychological trauma they have endured as a result of an accident.
Myth #3 – A Personal Injury Claim is an Attempt at “Easy Money”
The decision to file a claim does not mean in any terms that a victim is simply trying to recover some “easy money.” A personal injury claim is not and should not be associated with any particular community, race or socio-economic level. In fact, it’s a well-established and recognized legal procedure that has been around in various forms for centuries. Most people who bring forth a personal injury claim have a legitimate and serious reason for it.
Myth #4 – Lawyers are Expensive and I Can’t Afford One
Many personal injury lawyers, such as ours at Weinstein & Cohen, work on a contingency fee basis. This means that a client will only have to pay the attorney for his or her services if the case is successfully resolved either through a settlement or a favorable court verdict. Attorney’s fees are typically determined based on a percentage of the award paid out to the injured party in damages. Basically, this means that if an attorney is willing to take on your case, there is a good chance that they believe the chances of the outcome will be successful. Furthermore, most attorneys including ours at Weinstein & Cohen, provide an initial consultation free of charge in order to determine what the best course of action might be.
Myth #5 – Lawsuits Take Years to Resolve and an Incredible Amount of Time
Some cases are very complex, require extensive research and may certainly be time-consuming, but in many instances, cases are resolved through a settlement and never have to involve the actual court system. And even if a settlement can’t be reached and your case needs to go to trial, a resolution can sometimes be achieved in weeks rather than months or years. Each case is unique and that’s why it’s important to have a skilled attorney on your side.
If you or someone you care about has been injured or involved in an accident, contact the personal injury attorneys at Weinstein & Cohen at 305-374-2011 or 239-793-3331, or visit fairnessforall, for an absolutely free and confidential legal consultation to learn more about your options.
