At Jim Glaser Law, we are advocates of helping injured claim holders receive the justice they are rightfully owed. If you or a loved one sustained injuries directly caused by the careless actions of another individual, compensation may be available. To determine your legal options, our Worcester, MA, personal injury lawyers will need to review your case.
Personal Injury Law: What Does It Mean?
Personal injury law, commonly known as tort law, allows individuals who have suffered injuries caused by another person’s negligence to receive compensation. The compensation awarded under this body of law is intended to cover expenses related to the accident.
Alarming Injury Facts
A wide variety of injuries happen daily. The National Safety Council shared the following facts from 2017:
- There were 47.2 million injuries in 2017 alone.
- There were 127,300 deaths.
- More than 40,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2017.
- An estimated 127,300 preventable injury-related deaths occurred in homes and communities.
Personal Injury Cases Our Firm Handles
In order to serve the Worcester community effectively, we use our resources in many different types of personal injury cases to help our clients receive the justice they deserve. Some of these cases include, but are not limited to:
- Auto Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Slip and Falls
- Dog Bite Injuries
- Bicycle Accidents
- Wrongful Death Claims
Most Common Types of Injuries
While every accident is different, the most common injuries associated with personal injury claims include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Severe lacerations
- Broken bones
- Burn injuries
Determining Fault After an Accident
The ability to prove fault is a vital factor in every personal injury case. However, determining liability can be challenging without experienced legal representation. In order to successfully prove fault, these four elements must be demonstrated:
- Duty – You must prove the defendant owed a legal duty of care.
- Breach – You must prove that the defendant breached their duty of care.
- Causation – You must prove your injuries were a direct cause of the defendant’s careless actions.
- Damages – You must prove that any damages, such as medical bills, were a direct result of the accident.
Proving these four elements is key to obtaining any compensation that you may be owed. An experienced Worcester, MA, personal injury lawyer can help you gather what’s necessary to support your case and hold the negligent party responsible.
Is There a Difference Between a Claim and a Lawsuit?
If you suffered injuries directly caused by the negligent actions of another person, you may have the opportunity to file a personal injury claim.
Once your claim has been filed, it will go through the negotiation stage. During negotiations, both parties will discuss the circumstances surrounding the accident and attempt to reach a fair settlement amount. If an agreement cannot be reached, you may have the option to file a lawsuit and take your case to court.
Keep in mind that most personal injury cases are able to be settled during the negation stage. Insurance companies often try to settle claims before a lawsuit becomes necessary. However, if your case does go to court, it will be to your advantage to have strong legal representation.
Protecting Your Legal Rights
In some cases, injured claim holders damage their rights to compensation by making poor decisions following their accidents.
To help protect your rights and increase your chances of receiving the justice you deserve, our Worcester, MA, personal injury lawyers have shared several tips for you to keep in mind after an accident:
Tip #1 – Inform the Proper Authorities
After an accident, make sure to inform the appropriate authorities that you were injured. This may include emergency responders and/or a property owner in the event you are harmed on someone else’s property.
Tip #2 – Seek Medical Attention
After reporting your accident, make sure to seek immediate medical attention. Failing to be evaluated and treated by a medical professional can negatively affect any compensation you may be entitled to receive for damages. This is because waiting to be seen by a doctor can cause the insurance company to assume your injury was not serious.
Tip #3 – Collect Evidence Associated With Your Accident
Proving liability is not always easy. However, evidence can support your claim and help prove that your injuries were caused by the negligent behavior of another individual. Evidence can include photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and/or any property damage, as well as copies of your medical bills.
Tip #4 – Don’t Sign Anything Unless You’ve Spoken to an Attorney
If you’re presented with any type of paperwork, it’s important to consult a Worcester personal injury lawyer. Insurance adjusters may pressure you into signing forms that release the company from liability.
Following these tips from our attorneys can help protect your rights to compensation after an accident.
Call Jim Glaser Law for Help Today
At Jim Glaser Law, we understand the many challenges injured individuals face after an accident. With the help of a Worcester, MA, personal injury lawyer, you can focus on recovering while your case is handled by a legal professional.
Personal injury cases are often time-consuming and strenuous without legal guidance. For this reason, consulting an attorney who has the knowledge and experience necessary to handle these types of cases will be in your best interest.
If you or a loved one was injured due to the careless actions of another individual, you may have legal options. For help today, contact our law office at 617-906-8775 or fill out our free consultation form.