How Do You Know When to Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm?
Have you experienced an accident that wasn't your fault, and now you're not sure what your next steps should be? If yes, you've come to the right place.
As a personal injury law firm, our team at Wilson & McQueen, PLLC meets clients like you all the time. It's our business to help you understand your rights in a difficult situation and determine the best course of action. But how do you know when to contact a personal injury law firm? In many cases, the answer is as soon as you can. But it’s not that black and white. Let’s get into it.
Signs You Need Personal Injury Representation
Recognizing when you need legal help can be tricky. Here are some signs that it might be time to give us a call:
If you have sustained severe injuries, you will likely face high medical bills and a prolonged recovery period. In such cases, a personal injury attorney can help you file a claim for compensation.
Another scenario in which you need a good attorney is if the other party disagrees on who is responsible or if the insurance company is uncooperative.
Complex situations involving multiple parties often require thorough investigation and legal planning.
Cases that involve technical evidence, such as product liability or industrial accidents, typically require specialized knowledge and expert testimony to build a strong case.
If your claim has been denied or delayed, an attorney can help expedite the process and ensure that your rights are protected.
If your injury has long-term consequences or has caused a disability, a personal injury lawyer can help you get compensation to cover ongoing medical care and loss of income.
If you are unclear about your rights or the legal process, an attorney can provide clarity and guidance so you can make informed decisions about your case.
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases
Personal injury cases cover a wide range of situations. Some of the most common cases we handle include car accidents, slip and falls, and medical malpractice. Each case is unique and has different legal considerations.
If you've been in a car accident, for instance, you will likely need to deal with insurance companies and familiarize yourself with fault laws. Slip and fall cases might require proving that a property owner was negligent.
Medical malpractice cases, on the other hand, require expert testimony to show that a healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care.
In addition to the above, we also frequently handle cases involving workplace injuries and product liability. Workplace injuries can occur in any employment setting, and proving employer negligence or unsafe working conditions often plays a crucial role.
Product liability cases involve defective or unsafe products causing harm, where establishing manufacturer or distributor responsibility is essential.
Dog bite incidents are another type of case we manage, where understanding local animal control laws can make a significant difference in outcomes.
Personal Injury Laws in Kentucky
Kentucky has several laws that impact personal injury cases.
For instance, the state follows a "pure comparative negligence" rule. This means that even if you're partially at fault for an accident, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
In Kentucky, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can jeopardize your ability to recover damages.
Kentucky also requires that car accident injury claims be filed within two years from the date of the accident or the date of the last no-fault medical payment. For cases involving minors or individuals with mental incapacities, the statute of limitations may be extended, providing more time to file a claim.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are often more interested in protecting their bottom line than fairly compensating you. They might try to offer you a quick settlement that may not cover all your expenses or attempt to downplay the severity of your injuries. Having a personal injury attorney on your side can level the playing field. We can handle all communications with the insurance company, protect your rights, and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Settlement vs. Trial
Many personal injury cases are resolved through settlements rather than going to trial. Settlements can be quicker and less stressful if you have an attorney who can negotiate effectively on your behalf. That said, some cases do go to trial. If that happens, having an attorney represent you can make a significant difference. We're experienced in courtroom litigation and can present a compelling case to the judge and jury.
Schedule a Meeting With Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys
At Wilson & McQueen, PLLC, our attorneys bring over 90 years of combined experience advocating for clients with personal injury and workers' compensation claims throughout Kentucky. Our team keeps clients informed and addresses their concerns promptly. When you meet with our attorneys, they will work with you personally from start to finish, providing the attention and care you deserve. If you need our services in Lexington, Kentucky, London, Georgetown, Richmond, or Nicholasville, call us to schedule a consultation.