Generally, personal injury attorneys are employed by law firms or work on their own. A personal injury attorney handles case files of personal injury cases. The lawyers represent injured persons in legal proceedings, including negotiation of insurance claims, litigation, and settlement of civil cases arising from an incident that caused harm to the victim. A lengthy job description of a personal injury attorney entails several responsibilities in representing a client in court. Here are several basic responsibilities that an attorney should do when handling cases for their client:
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Investigates The Accident Scene to Establish Negligence
Every personal injury case is different, so there is no set formula for an attorney to follow when filing a lawsuit. However, most of them will begin by sending investigators to the site where the accident took place to take pictures of it and find out more about the incident.
A case that involves a car crash will involve an investigation of the road and sidewalk where it occurred. On the other hand, a slip and fall incident in a grocery store may require an inspection of the area where it happened, and the product spilled on the floor to determine if any legal action is necessary against the establishment.
Files Lawsuits Against Negligent Parties
After finding out who is at fault for an accident, a personal injury attorney will file a lawsuit against that person on behalf of their client. They do this because they are responsible for all legal matters concerning their client’s accident, so if someone files a lawsuit against them without having legal representation, they will be unable to respond or defend themselves.
Negotiates With Insurance Companies
If the party at fault for an accident has insurance, a personal injury attorney will negotiate the amount of compensation their client deserves. They do this because it is in their best interest for their client to settle out of court; if someone goes to trial and loses, they automatically forfeit their right to claim any money from the defendant.
Helps With Disability Claims
If someone’s injuries prevent them from working, a personal injury attorney will help them file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSDI recipients receive payment every month until they reach retirement age or return to work.
Carries Out Estate Plans
This is another crucial responsibility you should understand when looking for these types of attorneys in your area, for instance, personal injury lawyers in reno. The attorneys play a key role in estate planning because they know what needs to happen if someone dies due to another’s wrongful action. For example, if an injury (such as a car accident) where the victim has died, the attorney will protect the family’s interest by ensuring that they receive financial compensation for their loss. Carrying out an estate plan is one of many ways the attorneys can help their clients and give them peace of mind when it comes to their families after they’re no longer able to care for them.
Helps With Medical Malpractice Cases
A personal injury lawyer can also handle medical malpractice cases on behalf of a client who has been the victim of negligent treatment by their doctor or hospital. This is achieved by filing a medical malpractice claim with their state’s licensing board.
Personal injury cases, especially those involving an insurance company, can be difficult for a layman because of the technical language involved and the seemingly purposeless procedures in filing claims. In such situations, an attorney’s help is widely sought. A personal injury attorney typically handles civil cases which involve one party suing another for bodily injury or damage to property.
Also Read: 5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Personal Injury Attorney
