5 Ways Personal Injury Lawyers Can Advocate for Their Clients

If you have sustained a personal injury, you may be entitled to compensation to help pay for damages. Personal injuries can come from various accidents, including car accidents, medical malpractice, and slips and falls. At Longo Biggs Injury Law, our lawyers work with you from your initial consultation and through negotiations until you receive maximum compensation for your case. Here are some ways a personal injury lawyer can advocate for you:

1. Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation

We begin advocating for your best interests starting at your consultation. During this meeting, your lawyer might discuss your accident, including when and where it occurred and who was involved. They may also ask to see any documentation that you have, such as medical records. Our experienced lawyers use this information to gain insight into who might be liable in your case and whether you’re entitled to compensation. Damages for which you can receive compensation include medical costs, repairs to personal property, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our law firm only collects legal fees if you receive compensation for your injuries.

2. Gathering Evidence For Your Case

If we take your case, we can begin gathering evidence about the accident. This will help us build a strong case for the negotiation process. Along with your medical records, your lawyer may ask if you have access to accident reports or witness statements. If you do not, they can communicate with the relevant parties to obtain them. They can consult with experts about the details of your case. This may include asking a doctor for more information about your injuries or speaking with an automotive technician about the damage to your vehicle if you were in a car accident. Your lawyer might also conduct site visits and reconstruct accidents when necessary. We use this evidence to advocate for your best interests and help you secure fair compensation for your losses.

3. Negotiating With Insurance Companies

After your accident, the insurance company representing the at-fault party will likely try to contact you to reach a settlement. Insurance companies may want to settle their cases for the lowest amount possible. A personal injury lawyer can advocate for you and make sure you are not taken advantage of. Your lawyer can communicate with the insurance company and provide evidence that supports your need for a larger settlement. Our goal is to make sure you receive or exceed the amount that will cover your pain and suffering. If we cannot reach a fair settlement with the insurance company, your lawyer may file a personal injury lawsuit.

4. Representing You in Court

If we do not reach a fair settlement during negotiations, a lawyer can help you file a lawsuit. Personal injury lawsuits are civil claims and may be referred to as torts. The goal of a tort is to return you to the position you were in before the accident through monetary compensation. Your lawyer will use the evidence they gathered and their legal knowledge to advocate for a fair settlement in court. They will demonstrate the extent of your damages and injuries to argue your need for a larger settlement. A judge or jury uses the evidence to decide whether the defendant is legally responsible for your injuries and how much you should be awarded based on their extent.

Depending on the state, personal injury claims are subject to the statute of limitations. In Missouri, claimants have five years from the date of their injury to file a claim. Wrongful death claims must be made within three years. Speak with a lawyer from Longo Biggs Injury Law if you have been injured within this time frame to make sure you don’t lose the right to recover damages.

5. Seeking Maximum Compensation

Our lawyers always advocate for your best interests and help you seek maximum compensation for your case. In a personal injury case, you can be awarded economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are calculable, such as medical bills directly related to the accident or loss of income from being unable to work. Non-economic damages refer to pain and suffering and are more challenging to quantify. Seeking maximum compensation allows you to receive the financial support you need to recover from your injuries and cover your expenses.

Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been injured because of the negligence or wrongful actions of others, a personal injury lawyer can help advocate for your rights. The lawyers at Longo Biggs Injury Law, LLC can advocate for your best interests starting at your initial consultation, through negotiations, and in court. We help you recover losses due to medical expenses, lost wages, and repairs and fight for maximum compensation. We’ll help hold the liable party, whether it’s another person or entity, responsible for any damages. Contact us today to set up your free consultation.