As the legal system constantly evolves, you have to know about the latest terms, stipulations, and rules to stay in the know. Since every state has different laws, you might have a difficult time determining what is legal and illegal. Anyone who is interested in filing a personal injury lawsuit or claim is likely to have plenty of questions on their mind. As Langdon & Emison has helped countless clients over the years, we have prepared a list of all the common questions that we have heard over the years. These are mentioned below.
What Type of Cases Can A Personal Injury Attorney Take On?
A personal injury attorney is an attorney who knows how to help individuals get compensated for illnesses or injuries that they have sustained because of negligence or an accident. The following are some of the most common personal injury lawsuits that a St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer files.
- Slip and fall injuries
- Automobile injuries and accidents
- Lawsuit against a medical expert for malpractice
- Injuries at the workplace and proper compensation
Can You Hire A Personal Injury Attorney Who Is Located Outside Of Missouri?
When deciding which personal injury attorney to hire, you should consider the state where the incident occurred. If you had visited Ohio for work and the accident took place there, you would have to hire a local law firm that has an office in Ohio rather than Missouri. Although it might seem straightforward, you have to consider a few things to ensure that you do not make any mistakes.
In the majority of cases, you would have to stick to the attorney of the state where the incident occurred. The attorney you hire has to be admitted to the bar of the respective state. It will ensure that they know how to navigate the case and provide you with the results that you desire. But, you might be able to turn to a local injury lawyer in certain cases. Lawyers are permitted to seek a limited law license for just about every state. If it is granted, they should be able to represent you in that specific state.
How Can You Find the Right Personal Injury Attorney To Represent You?
Finding the best attorney to represent you depends on who you ask. However, there are some steps that you can follow to ensure that you make the right decision. These are mentioned below.
- Reach out to people whom you trust so that they can provide a recommendation to you.
- Look up local personal injury attorneys online and go through all the reviews to ensure that you have an idea about what to expect from them.
- Finally, schedule a free consultation with each attorney to find out what they bring to the table.
What Does It Mean When A Lawyer Tells You That You Do Not Need To Pay Unless The Case Is Won?
When it comes to hiring a personal injury lawyer, you do not need to pay one unless they win your case. This is not the case for most legal industries. What it means is that you would not be charged on an hourly basis for the consultation and research. Instead, the attorney will only be entitled to a certain percentage of the verdict or settlement if they manage to win the case.
What Percentage of The Personal Injury Settlement Will The Attorney Take?
As the majority of lawyers are known for their contingency fees, you would only have to pay a certain percentage of the settlement if they win your case. The exact percentage that you would need to pay depends on the size of the law firm, the case, and how long the case takes to settle. Generally, you should expect to pay anywhere from 20% to 40% of the settlement amount.
Can A Personal Injury Lawyer Handle A Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Most personal injury attorneys handle all types of cases including workers’ compensation claims. In fact, you might even be able to find one that specializes in the area. However, you should have no trouble finding a personal injury attorney who is ready to take on your case. The fact is that workers’ compensation is normally practiced by many lawyers which is why you should have no trouble finding someone who can help you out.
What Is The Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases?
Every charge or lawsuit has a statute of limitations that dictates the amount of time someone has to take action. It varies from state to state. Depending on where you live, the statute of limitations could be 1 up to 6 years. When it comes to car accidents in Missouri, the statute of limitations is 5 years. On the other hand, the statute of limitations is 2 years in case of workplace injuries and medical malpractice.