Understanding the Role of a Phoenix Personal Injury Lawyer
Personal injury lawyers represent individuals who have been harmed physically or emotionally as a result of someone else’s negligence or intentional actions. Their primary objective is to help their clients seek compensation for the damages they have suffered.
Here’s what you can expect from a personal injury lawyer in Phoenix:
Case Evaluation
Personal injury lawyers will assess the details of your case during an initial consultation. They’ll listen to your story, review evidence, and determine whether you have a viable claim. This evaluation is typically free of charge.
Legal Skills and Experience
Once they accept your case, personal injury lawyers will provide you with legal guidance and experience. They will navigate the complexities of the legal system on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected.
Investigation
Personal injury lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation into your case. This may involve gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, consulting experts, and evaluating medical records to build a strong case on your behalf.
Negotiation
Many personal injury cases are resolved through negotiation with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement that compensates you for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Litigation
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your personal injury lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court. They will represent you during the trial, presenting evidence and arguing your case before a judge and jury.
Attorney’s Fees and Damages
Personal injury lawyers are often paid on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay attorney’s fees upfront (although you may be on the hook for copying costs, travel expenses, expert witness fees, etc). Instead, personal injury lawyers are paid a set percentage of the recovery, or damages, in a personal injury case. This percentage often ranges from 25 to 40 percent of the total recovery.
Your attorney may also charge a flat fee or an hourly rate. It is important to discuss fee structures with an attorney before hiring them. These conversations can help you learn which fee structure best suits your needs and whether the lawyer is flexible on fee options.
Damages Available in a Phoenix Personal Injury Case
As a personal injury lawyer’s pay typically depends on the damages obtained, it is helpful to understand the types of items for which a plaintiff can seek damages.
Certain types of damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, are more tangible and are considered economic damages. Others, such as pain and suffering, are non-economic damages.
- Medical Expenses: Personal injury compensation often covers medical bills related to the accident. This includes hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This can include both current and future income you would have earned if not for the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering damages are intended to compensate you for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident. These damages are more challenging to quantify but can be significant in some cases.
- Property Damage: If your personal property, such as your vehicle, was damaged in the accident, you can seek repair or replacement costs.
In rare cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.
Contact the Arizona Personal Injury Lawyers at Runion Personal Injury Lawyers Today
If you were injured in an accident in Phoenix, AZ, and need legal help, contact our Phoenix personal injury attorneys at Runion Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review today.
Runion Personal Injury Lawyers
3200 N Central Ave Suite 1100, Phoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 825-3502
