When someone is seriously injured in an accident that was caused by another person or company, it can be devastating. They can face long-term medical treatment, financial losses, and emotional upheaval. The law firm of an injury lawyer can help them pick up the pieces and get back on their feet after a tragic event.
A qualified New York personal injury attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to establish negligence. This will include reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, examining medical records and obtaining expert witness testimony. A strong case can help victims recover the full value of their damages.
An experienced lawyer will also make sure that their client’s claims are properly documented and supported. They may need to request narrative medical reports from treating physicians that describe the injuries, initial diagnosis, prognosis, and disability information. This is important because the amount of compensation a victim receives depends on the severity of their injuries and the impact they have on a person’s lifestyle.
The attorney will also review the at-fault party’s insurance coverage. They will determine what legal claims can be brought against the defendant based on their negligence and the law, such as the statute of limitations, which is how long the victim has to file a lawsuit. This will help the attorney to limit their client’s exposure and pursue compensation for their clients.
After a thorough investigation, the lawyer will draft the legal pleadings that initiate and explain the claim. This is a formal document that describes the facts of the case and asks for relief from the at-fault party.
If the at-fault party has no insurance or does not have enough coverage for a settlement, the injury lawyer can bring legal action against the person responsible for the accident, such as filing a lawsuit against an individual for medical malpractice. They can also hold clinics that employ physicians accountable under a doctrine called vicarious liability, which holds employers liable for the torts committed by their employees in the course of performing work duties.
As part of their practice, a good injury lawyer will interview and hire private investigators, medical experts, and economists to support their client’s case. These individuals will testify as expert witnesses at trial to help prove their client’s claims. A skilled injury lawyer will know when to use these experts and how much to pay for their services. They will also be aware of the best legal strategies to pursue their client’s claims and ensure that all evidence is preserved – security camera footage, for instance, can disappear within days if it is not secured quickly. This is critical because it allows the attorney to build a compelling case and maximize their client’s chances of receiving maximum compensation. This includes compensating their client for a variety of losses, such as lost wages and loss of earning capacity, future medical expenses, and pain and suffering. This compensation may be paid out of the at-fault party’s insurance or out of the defendant’s own assets.