There are many situations that require the services of a personal injury attorney in North Carolina. There are workplace injuries, slip and fall injuries, medical malpractice claims, defective product claims, and much more that occur every day. Many feel that they can handle these issues on their own, but the laws are complicated and the system can be confusing. What’s more, when you are working in opposition to companies and attorneys that are used to navigating the complexities of North Carolina laws, you may find yourself in over your head. There are some situations where you may be able to manage things on your own, but it is wise to know when to hire a personal injury attorney for your case.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
When you’re dealing with a personal injury claim, the attorneys at Ted A. Greve and Associates recommend that you seek legal representation in the following circumstances:
- You may lose a lot of money in the claim.
- You are unsure of how to prove liability.
- You are being blamed for the injury.
- You may face a jail sentence.
- You become confused about any part of the process.
- Your injuries are serious and life altering.
- You are facing significant medical expenses.
- You are dealing with an insurance company that is reluctant to pay.
- You are dealing with an individual without insurance.
Typically, if you are starting to think that you may possibly need an attorney on your side, there is a very high probability that you are right, and you should seek a free consultation to learn more. The fact is that even the most simple personal injury claims can be far more complicated than you think when it comes to navigating North Carolina law. It is easy to make mistakes regarding your timing, your process, your evidence, your witnesses, or making unwise statements to others, like an insurance company.
The top reason that people choose not to work with an attorney is the expense. However, those who avoid working with a lawyer often discover too late that they cannot afford to go into it without the expertise of legal representation. They end up spending more or losing more than they would have if they had opted to work with an experienced attorney. To avoid this scenario, it is essential to know when to hire a personal injury attorney in North Carolina.
Insurance companies are well known for working for their own best interests while putting on a friendly and concerned face for those who have sustained injuries. It is all too easy to be misled by the seemingly helpful insurance claims adjuster, when the reality is that they only want you to settle your claim for a low amount to save themselves money. For this reason, they will politely pressure you to settle early with a low ball offer. Many people unwittingly accept the first settlement offer and live to regret it. Remember that once you accept a settlement, there is no going back, and you are likely to end up facing your many expenses and losses alone.
If you are hoping to avoid hiring a lawyer because you are concerned about being able to afford the expense, then it is helpful to know that the majority of personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis in which they only get paid when you win your case, and they only take a percentage of your settlement. If you don’t win, you don’t get charged. Meanwhile, as you’re healing from your injury and facing the mounting debt of medical bills and lost wages, a personal injury attorney can be taking care of the complicated legal processes that would otherwise be one more addition to your many stressors.
So, if you’re starting to ask yourself if it might be time to hire a personal injury attorney, there is a very good chance that the answer to this question is a resounding “Yes.” The following situations are prime examples of when a personal injury attorney can make a world of difference in your personal injury claim.
- Seek legal representation before speaking with the insurance company. You may get a phone call from an insurance company after a personal injury occurs. If you have not yet obtained a personal injury attorney, then this is the time to do so. You should politely decline to comment on the case with the insurance claims adjuster until you have had a chance to consult with a lawyer.
- Seek legal representation in any medical malpractice claim. Medical malpractice claims are notoriously difficult to prove in court, and the sooner you contact an attorney, the better off you will be. There is also a short statute of limitations for such cases in North Carolina, so you don’t want to waste any time.
- Seek legal representation whenever you are faced with medical procedures and expenses. If you’ve been injured, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible and to obtain adequate care for your injuries. An attorney can help you to find the best treatment providers and professionals who can serve as expert witnesses.
If you are still debating whether or not you really need a personal injury attorney to handle your claim, then you should at least give it the benefit of the doubt and seek a free consultation. The dedicated Charlotte NC personal injury attorneys at Ted A. Greve and Associates will gladly walk you through the process and help you to weigh the pros and cons of this important decision.
