Accidents occur every time. It can happen to anyone. It can happen to you. Often, it’s nobody’s fault. Sometimes, however, it is.
A person or company at fault could’ve caused you to get hurt. If you believe something must be done about it, you can consider a few options. You may ask for compensation. You can claim insurance. Filing a legal case is your ultimate choice.
Considering the complex nature of the incident, you want someone who has knowledge and experience handling situations like this. You’ll need someone who knows the legal procedures. The job of your lawyer now is to prove that your life was put in danger because of the negligence of others.
Filing an insurance claim is the most popular option of the three. However, insurance agencies will not take you seriously if you face them on your own. For all these options, therefore, you have to get legal help. There are times, though, getting a lawyer is unnecessary. In this article, you’ll know the incidences when it’s a good idea to get a lawyer.
Car Accident
2020 has been a difficult year for everybody. The majority of the population had to stay home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. People drove less. This, however, did not prevent people from getting into vehicular accidents.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic fatalities increased even during the pandemic. More than 38,000 people died because of car crashes in 2020 alone. This number is, in fact, the highest since 2007.
The statistics are saddening. But this also means that no matter how safely you drive, you can get into a car accident.
You should consult a car accident attorney if you got into a car accident and suffered serious injuries.
You can ask for compensation for medical expenses. If you’re currently working, you can also claim lost wages and costs for diminished working capacity.
Hiring a car accident lawyer can increase your chance of getting compensated for sustained injuries.
Consumer Fraud
If you are not satisfied with a product you purchased, you can complain to the company responsible. If they don’t comply, you can seek help from consumer organizations or your local government. Get the help of a lawyer if they are still unwilling to cooperate with you. With a legal representative, you can file a complaint against the seller or manufacturer.
Lack of satisfaction, however, is not a strong case argument. You have to prove that damage was done on your part. You can have a physician check you up and provide you with a medical certificate listing the damages or injuries you sustained. Use it as evidence for your claims.
Work-Related Accident
Based on the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines, safety violations by work facilities often cause accidents. Sometimes, they can even lead to fatalities. According to the government agency, inadequate safety equipment, unsafe structures, and uncontrolled hazardous power are the main causes of accidents in the workplace.
If you’ve sustained injuries because of these safety violations, you can hire a lawyer to help you file a complaint.
Medical Malpractice
Patient safety is at risk. Did you know? Medical malpractice is the third leading cause of preventable deaths in the US. More than 200,000 lives are lost every year because of medical errors. Unfortunately, according to the New England Journal of Medicine, 78% of patients who claimed compensation for damages were not paid at all. This is all the more reason to get a lawyer if you’re a victim.
To prevent medical malpractice from happening to you and your loved ones, always ask questions. Require your healthcare provider to give you a detailed explanation about the treatment you will receive. It’s also wise to seek a second opinion. Widen your options if you are uncertain about a particular medication, physician, or healthcare provider.
If You Have No Injuries
Not all accidents end in fatality nor injuries. There’ll be times when someone can get involved in a work-related accident but wasn’t hurt. Your personal belongings may have been damaged when someone bumped into you, but you’re fine. Your car may have collided at low speed with another, but no one was injured. There will also be times when a minor accident can hurt you, but you become better after just a few days.
It is during these incidences when you don’t actually need a lawyer. In fact, if you insist on filing a complaint based only on these situations, your attorney will discourage you. Simply put, you don’t have to hire a lawyer if you have no injuries from an accident.