You may have heard some of these legal myths before. They are common misconceptions that people have about the legal system. In this blog post, we will dispel 10 legal myths about hiring an attorney and legal issues. We will also provide information on how to find an attorney who is right for you and your case.
1. My injury isn’t bad enough to need an attorney – Did you know that a personal injury because of negligence or an accident can cause damage that can last years or can show up weeks to months after the accident has occurred? If your body is in any pain because or if you have any medical bills because of an accident, you should seek legal counsel immediately.
2. I can handle the insurance company on my own – Insurance companies are not in the business of giving away money. They will try to give you the lowest amount possible for your claim, or may even deny your claim altogether. An attorney will be able to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve.
3. I can’t afford an attorney – Many people think that they cannot afford an attorney, but many attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means that you will not have to pay any upfront costs for your attorney, and they will only get paid if they win your case.
4. All cases go to court – In reality, most cases are settled out of court. An experienced attorney will be able to guide you based on the specifics of your case. Attorneys often work together to find an agreeable settlement out of court before spending time and effort to pursue an in court battle.
5. Personal injury cases are long and drawn out – The amount of time it takes to settle a personal injury case varies greatly depending on the severity of the injuries, insurance company policies, and many other factors. An experienced attorney will be able to give you an idea of how long your specific case may take. Many personal injury cases can be settled quickly but sometimes it is in the injured person’s best interest to keep a case open longer.
6. I can file a workers compensation claim anytime – This is very false. In many states there are limitations on the amount of time one has to file a workers’ compensation claim. Laws in Florida require you to report the work-related accident as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the date the accident occurs, or within thirty (30) days of the date the doctor says you are suffering from a work-related injury. States may vary.
7. All attorneys are the same – This is very untrue. Just like you wouldn’t pick a dermatologist for a heart problem, you shouldn’t pick a real estate attorney for a personal injury case! There are many different types of attorneys, and each one specializes in different areas of law. When you are looking for an attorney, be sure to find one who specializes in the specific area where you need legal representation.
8. My attorney will tell me how much my settlement will be – No attorney can accurately predict how much your settlement will be. The amount of your settlement depends on many factors such as the severity of your injuries, insurance company policies, and state laws. Your attorney will be able to give you an estimate based on their experience with similar cases but ultimately the final decision is up to the courts, a settlement and the insurance company.
9. Most Personal Injury claims are unnecessary – This is absolutely not true. Many people who are injured because of the negligence of another person or company do not file a claim because they think it is unnecessary or that their injuries are not bad enough. Rest assured, if you are in pain or have incurred any medical bill because of a personal injury, you have a case. If you have been injured in an accident, it is always best to seek legal counsel.
10. If someone is injured in your business you are always responsible – This is also not true. You may be held liable if the injury was caused by negligence on your part, but if the injury was caused by an act of God or something out of your control, you will not be held liable. In order to be responsible, the injured party must prove that you were at fault or negligent.
Dispelling myths you may have heard about legal issues can be the first step to getting you the legal counsel that you need. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, had been the victim of medical malpractice or has a job related injury, contact us today at 954-799-4529 or visit us online at wordpress-517114-3662879.cloudwaysapps.com for a FREE case consultation. Professional, experienced attorney in Pompano Beach, Florida, we’re ready to get to work for you!