If you’ve been injured in an accident, or if you’re just curious about the ins and outs of Personal Injury law, you may be thinking: “What does a Personal Injury lawyer really do, anyway? Should I bother hiring one?” Keep reading for an explanation on when you should talk to one, and the services they can provide for you.
If you’ve been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence (like in a slip and fall, a boating accident, or a Motor Vehicle Accident), it’s a good idea to speak with a Personal Injury lawyer. Why? Well, you may be eligible for compensation for “damages” if you have been unable to work or live your life in the same way post-accident. Your Personal Injury lawyer may be able to help you get compensation to pay for the treatment you deserve, considering several different categories of damages, like:
- General Damages
- Often referred to as ‘pain and suffering’
- Physical or emotional injuries suffered
- Negatively impacted life experience
- Special Damages
- Treatment expenses
- Medication
- Medical supplies, or out of pocket expenses incurred as a result of the incident
The amount of compensation you receive is dependent on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical care and other expenses, and the long-term physical, financial and emotional impact your injuries will have on your life. In Alberta, there are maximum amounts payable for certain soft tissue injuries (in the case of a Motor Vehicle Accident), but claims can be made for compensation—lost income and cost of future care, for example—that don’t fall under the legislated limits. This area of the law is complex, so talking with an experienced Personal Injury lawyer is the best way to determine what a claim and compensation you may be entitled to might look like.
Once you hire them, your Personal Injury lawyer and their team will gather evidence (such as treatment notes, loss of income statements, and other documents that may be required) to determine the amount of compensation you may be entitled to, and put together a proposal—based on their experience and case law research—for what you may be entitled to. When the at-fault party puts together their own proposals, your lawyer will present it to you, and take care of the paperwork per your instructions until an agreement can (hopefully) be made.
At Litco Law, you can count on your Personal Injury lawyer to provide free initial consultations. This means that you can get free legal answers for your Personal Injury questions (and you don’t have to hire the lawyer after your initial appointment). Plus, your lawyer won’t get paid until you do. Litco Law’s caring team will handle the legal work so you can focus on your recovery… and we’ll do it with a high level of empathy and consideration at every step of the way.
We hope this provided some clarity on what a Personal Injury lawyer can do for you… but if you still have questions, you can count on us to give you answers. We’ve been helping injured Albertans since 1976, and we’re standing by to help you when you’re ready. Just call, instant message, or email us today to book your consultation.Â
