Unfortunately, an accident can happen at any time. Many people suffer injuries in these accidents. These injuries can be costly between doctors’ bills, surgical costs, repair bills, and potential lost income due to time off from work. Fortunately, there is a path for people to seek financial compensation following a serious injury; however, the portrayal that many people see on TV when it comes to personal injury lawsuits is not usually accurate. In order for someone to seek financial compensation for their injuries, they will need to provide ample evidence and demonstrate that they have met significant burdens of proof to win a financial award. There are a few common misconceptions that need to be corrected.
First, there is a common misconception that people can collect money just by having any type of pain. This is not always the case. While it is relatively straightforward for people to talk to an insurance company and collect compensation for medical bills and lost wages, collecting compensation for pain and suffering is significantly more difficult. There are three types of injury categories following a major accident that someone for which can collect pain and suffering compensation. These include loss of bodily limbs, loss of bodily function, and wrongful death claims (collected by surviving kin). If any of these events took place, it is possible to collect more money for pain and compensation.
Next, many people believe that if they drag out the lawsuit, they are more likely to collect more money. This is not the case. In reality, it will be a hassle to continue to chase down the other party in a lawsuit. They are simply going to become aggravated and will be less likely to communicate in a professional manner. Furthermore, this is also more likely to drive up the attorneys’ fees, which may detract from the overall award. Finally, plaintiffs will also need to track every receipt. The longer the case goes on, the more likely it is that some of these will be lost.
Finally, many people think that they don’t need a lawyer. The reality is that lawyers are necessary to make sure that plaintiffs settle for an amount that is fair. This is important for making sure that everyone protects their rights, particularly in a case that involves a serious injury.
