Personal injury attorneys represent those that have become injured due to the negligence of another party. These attorneys represent those that have been injured due to negligence stemming from car accidents, slips and falls, bicycle accident crashes, and any and all other types of accidents that produce personal injuries.
Attorneys that handle these cases are primarily concerned with advocating for these injured people. Part of that responsibility involves advocating for the injured worker with insurance companies. They also make sure that all of the injured party’s medical bills get paid as well as lost wages and any and all other damages arising from an accident that was caused due to negligence. Attorneys in Boston that handle personal injury cases many times have to file lawsuits for their clients when an insurance company refuses to make a full and fair settlement offer. The personal injury litigation process can be a very lengthy one involving discovery, depositions, pretrial conferences, and perhaps even a trial by jury.
If, for example, you’re involved in a car accident that was caused due to the negligence of another person, you would look to hire an attorney for the case. The attorney would communicate with the insurance company as well as collect all of your medical records, medical bills, and proof of lost wages. Once all of the supporting documentation for the accident is assembled, the attorney and/or the attorney’s paralegal will submit to the insurance company a demand package. Once the insurance company has reviewed the demand package and offer, a settlement will be made. At that point, negotiations will begin between the attorney and the insurance company adjuster.
The case will either settle amicably at the claim stage, or the claim will have to be filed in court. If the claim is settled, then the injured party will be required to sign a release. The release is a legal document that essentially states that an exchange for the agreed-up sum of money, the injured party agrees to forever close out the case that was filed against the party for whom the insurance company insures.
If the case is not settled, then a litigation process must follow. Personal injury attorneys are primarily focused on helping injured parties throughout the process. For example, if you have a slip and fall or any other premises liability matter, it really helps to have an attorney involved because the attorney can make sure you get full and fair compensation for your injuries. Similarly, if you are injured on the job, it is wise to at least consult a workers’ compensation attorney who can advise you as to what rights you are eligible for under Massachusetts workers’ compensation law.
Personal injury attorneys also handle and deal with any liens that have been filed against a client’s personal injury case. These liens may arise from private health insurance companies or possibly public entities such Massachusetts Health or Medicare. The attorney will make sure all medical bills get paid at the time of settlement to all medical providers as well as to all lien holders. Personal injury attorneys only get paid if they’re able to settle a client’s case. That is called a contingency fee. Any settlement money that is awarded to an injured party is not taxable under either state or federal law.
If you’ve been injured due to the negligence of another person or company, it is smart to consult with an attorney to receive a free consultation. That way, you will know whether or not you have a case that’s even worth pursuing, and if the case is worth pursuing, you will be able to find out from the attorney what your case is worth.
If you have any questions about Massachusetts personal injury or workers’ compensation law, I encourage you to contact the Earley Law Group Injury Lawyers. On our website, you will find a series of free books that are available to you. This set of books is entitled The Truth Series, which is intended to help you, the injured party, make the best possible legal decision for your case.