Hopefully you never have to file a personal injury claim, but if you’re like most people who do need to file a claim for the first time, you may have difficulty separating true advice from worthless wisdom. Below, we take a look at five common myths about personal injury cases, and how to put forward the best claim in your individual case.
Common Personal Injury Myths
Here’s a look at five common myths about personal injury cases in Minnesota.
1. You Can File Whenever – If you are injured, you may think that it’s in your best interest to fully heal before pursuing compensation. While we want you to focus on your health, there are also deadlines to meet, and waiting can inhibit your ability to recall the exact nature of the events that transpired. To avoid trouble, file your case as early as possible. Better yet, hire a lawyer to file for you, because they’ll handle the legal side while you focus on recovering.
2. Personal Injury Lawyers Are Expensive – Personal injury lawyers can be expensive, but the good news is, the more they cost, the more money you won. That’s because personal injury lawyers get a predetermined percentage of your winnings, so while you may end up shelling $20,000 for your legal representation, that means you’re bringing in close to a six-figure settlement. Lawyers can also help to maximize your payout, so getting $10,000 on your own with no fees isn’t worth it if your lawyer could have gotten you $50,000 before their cut.
3. I Only Need To File A Claim For A Major Injury – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average cost of an ER trip for a car accident victim is $3,300, and the average cost of hospitalizations from car accidents are more than $50,000 over the course of your lifetime. Even if you think your injuries are minor or you only needed a few medical exams, odds are it’s worth your time to pursue compensation.
4. Personal Injury Cases Are Too Complex – To the average person, this statement may certainly be true, but it’s not the case for an experienced injury lawyer. They know how to read medical reports, estimate lost wages, calculate pain and suffering and put together a solid case. Don’t avoid filing because it seems like a complicated hassle – trust your case to a professional.
5. Most Personal Injury Cases Are Long And Go To Trial – Actually, the majority of cases are settled long before a trial, so you may be able to get your compensation much sooner than expected. However, if you’re going to settle, make sure you consult with a lawyer who has your interests in mind so the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you.
For more information about personal injury cases, or to talk to a lawyer about your injuries, reach out to Hey Workers today.
