Personal injury claims are often challenging to handle without strong legal guidance. This type of case involves many intricate details that need to be reviewed by a legal professional. If you or a loved one sustained injuries due to the negligent actions of another individual, you may be eligible to collect compensation for your losses.
Call Jim Glaser Law to learn more about your legal rights and if you qualify for compensation. Having a Providence, RI, personal injury lawyer by your side during the claims process will be to your advantage.
Types of Personal Injury Cases
Listed below are some of the most common types of personal injury cases:
Auto Accidents
According to Driver Knowledge, an average of 6 million collisions occur in the United States each year. Motor vehicle accidents can include trucks, cars, and motorcycles. This type of personal injury case typically arises due to a negligent motorist and can lead to life-altering injuries depending on the severity of the collision.
Wrongful Death
Wrongful death cases are tragic and, in many cases, could have been prevented if negligence was not a factor. This type of case can be filed by a surviving loved one to help compensate them for their loss. Compensation can include funeral costs, medical bills, and other costs. Additionally, compensation may account for loss of companionship and pain and suffering.
Premises Liability/Slip and Fall
The National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) stated, “Falls account for over eight million hospital emergency visits.” If you fell on someone else’s property and suffered injuries due to the property owner’s failure to repair a hazardous condition, you may have a case. In order to receive compensation, it must be proven that the property owner was aware or should have been knowledgeable of the risks on their property, yet they did not repair the issue or warn visitors.
Evidence is crucial for slip and fall cases in order to prove the negligent property owner caused your injuries. It’s in your best interest to ensure you take photos of both the scene of the accident and your injuries immediately after it occurs. In many cases, a property owner may attempt to repair the hazardous condition to avoid a lawsuit, so capturing photos will be to your benefit.
Dog Bites
Dog bite injuries are more common than most people realize. Injuries after a dog bite can leave behind emotional trauma and permanent scarring or disfigurement. Compensation may be available after a dog bite, however, it must be proven that you did not provoke the dog and there was no trespassing involved.
Steps to Take After an Accident
The moments after an accident can be frightening, especially when you’re unsure about how to proceed. Listed below are some suggestions you can implement if you’re involved in an accident in Providence, Rhode Island:
- Call for help – Depending on where you were injured, you may need to inform the property owner, manager, or emergency services. If you were injured in a car accident, call emergency responders immediately and make sure the police file a report.
- Seek medical attention – Even if your injuries are minor, it’s best to be evaluated by a medical professional.
- Collect evidence – It’s important that you gather evidence to support your claim. This can include medical bills, witness statements, and photos of your injuries and the scene of the accident.
- Contact an attorney – Personal injury cases can be challenging to file without the legal advice of an attorney because they involve numerous complex details that must be reviewed in order to receive compensation.
Implementing these steps may protect any compensation you’re entitled to receive for your injuries. If you’re eligible for compensation, a Providence, RI, personal injury lawyer can help gather the necessary information to build a strong case on your behalf.
Compensation: How Damages Are Calculated in Injury Cases
Compensation is dependent on several factors, including the extent of your injuries and any property damage you may have experienced. You can be compensated for the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death
- Loss of companionship
The amount of compensation granted to an injured claim holder will vary. It must be proven that it was the negligent actions of another party that caused your injuries. If you’re unsure as to whether or not you have a case, consulting an attorney will be your best option.
Statute of Limitations
If you sustained an injury in Providence, Rhode Island, due to the careless actions of another person, it’s imperative that you are aware of the laws that govern personal injury claims. Every state has set deadlines that injured claim holders must consider when filing a claim. In Rhode Island, you have exactly three years to file a lawsuit for damages.
If you fail to file prior to this deadline, you will likely diminish any compensation you could have been entitled to. A Providence, RI, personal injury lawyer will be familiar with the statute of limitations and ensure you don’t miss your chance of receiving compensation.
How Much Is My Case Worth?
Most injured individualss are curious to know how much their cases are worth. In order to accurately calculate how much your case is worth, an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer will need to evaluate the specifics of your case. No two accidents are the same, so results will vary depending on the details of your situation.
The severity of your injuries, medical expenses, and other costs can influence the amount of compensation you may be awarded for damages. Once an attorney reviews your case, it will give them an understanding of your legal options. If you do have a claim and are eligible to receive compensation, a lawyer will be able to calculate a reasonable amount.
One thing to take note of is that insurance companies are known for offering settlements that are much lower than what injured claim holders are rightfully owed. Their hope is that you will take their first low offer, so they can get away with paying out as little as possible. While it may be tempting to settle your case quickly, accepting the first offer that comes along may cause you to miss your opportunity to receive the full amount you deserve. Hiring a personal injury lawyer will ensure you are not taken advantage of by the insurance companies.
Call Jim Glaser Law
At Jim Glaser Law, we understand that suffering an injury caused by a negligent individual is stressful and, oftentimes, scary. However, you don’t have to handle it alone. Call our law firm today at 617-906-8775 or fill out our free case evaluation form to learn more about your legal options. If you or a loved one was injured due to the careless actions of another individual in Providence, Rhode Island, give Jim Glaser a call.