Serving Massachusetts Injury Victims For Over 3 Decades
The team of personal injury attorneys at Kiley Law Group have over 40 years experience helping victims who have been injured or suffered damages due to no fault of their own. Tom Kiley, and the team at Kiley Law Group in Topsfield, Massachusetts are confident they can handle your case, and will never settle for less than what you deserve. The personal injury attorneys at Kiley Law Group, in Topsfield, MA, are committed to their clients, will not back down to insurance companies, and are not afraid to go to court and fight for what is in your best interest. Call Topsfield, MA personal injury attorneys at Kiley Law Group for a free case evaluation. 888.988.5361
Hiring a personal injury lawyer is a decision that can have big consequences. Fortunately, there is everything to gain and nothing to lose by hiring a personal injury attorney. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that they only get paid when they settle a case, so the client has no upfront costs. Having a personal injury lawyer can substantially increase the settlement amount you receive.
Personal injury victims who represent themselves almost always settle for a much lower amount than their claim is worth. Insurance companies often push a victim to move quickly and accept a settlement that is not in their best interest. A personal injury lawyer acts as an advocate for the victims’ rights and can ensure victims get the compensation they deserve.
Personal injury lawyers offer legal representation for clients who have suffered injury or loss due to the negligent or careless actions of another person or organization. Compensation for losses can include loss of earning capacity due to an inability to work, pain and suffering, reasonable medical expenses, emotional distress, and legal costs. Along with helping clients receive compensation for their losses, they also protect clients from being victimized by insurance companies, who often work hard to limit the amount a victim can recover.
Lawyers specializing in personal injury are involved in all aspects of their client’s case. They gather evidence, contact witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction specialists. Personal injury lawyers also spend time researching case law, drafting pleadings, making motions and discovery requests as well as interviewing and deposing witnesses.
Oftentimes a case can be settled without going to court. When this option is in the best interest of the client, a personal injury lawyer negotiates the settlement with the insurance company. The lawyer handles all the back and forth that is common in negotiations of this type, and advocates for their client until a fair settlement is reached.
Personal injury attorneys are not bullied by insurance agencies and protect their client from any intimidation by insurance companies.
If a settlement cannot be reached outside of court, then a personal injury attorney represents the client in the trial process. Courtrooms can be intimidating and overwhelming places. Having an attorney who is experienced in litigation can lessen the stress of a courtroom appearance. Experienced courtroom attorneys are comfortable speaking in front of an audience and are confident when talking to the judge, questioning witnesses, and dealing with the attorneys on the other side. Competent, experienced representation is necessary to get victims the highest settlement possible.
Fees for a personal injury lawyer vary depending on the type of case, experience of the lawyer, and sometimes whether the case goes to court. Most personal injury lawyers earn a percentage of any compensation the victim receives so they do not get paid unless the case is won. Personal injury law firms pay for all the upfront costs incurred in the case, such as filing fees, mailings, etc. and only recoup those expenses if they win the case. Fees may range from 25% to 40% depending on how complicated the case is. Some lawyers charge different rates for court cases versus those that can be settled out of court.
Choosing the right lawyer to handle a personal injury claim is crucial for victims seeking compensation for losses. There are many things to consider when making such an impactful decision and location is one of them. The law firm hired to litigate a case must be licensed in the state in which the victim was injured. Having a local lawyer also eases travel time to and from and makes the process more convenient.
In addition, lawyers and law firms may have specific areas of focus, such as, medical malpractice, or slip and fall injuries. It is to your advantage to find a lawyer with expertise in the type of law that encompasses your case.
In personal injury law, experience matters. When choosing a lawyer to handle your case, make sure they have the years of experience necessary to navigate the complexities and nuances that are involved. An experienced lawyer will have the expert knowledge to guide you to the best possible outcome.
Victims looking to hire a personal injury attorney are well served by doing a little research. It is important to talk to family, trusted friends, and coworkers to see if they have any personal recommendations of lawyers they trust, as well as searching online. Stay away from law firms with a questionable reputation and do not be afraid to call and ask questions directly.
Every injury case is unique, and some specific questions are hard to answer until a lawyer does some investigating into the particulars. However, some questions should be answered before an attorney is hired.
Victims should have a clear understanding and be comfortable with the fees they will incur. If the case is to be settled on a contingency basis, the percentages should be discussed, and details explained. It is important to ask about additional costs if the case goes to court to avoid unexpected surprises.
Some cases are time sensitive and must be filed by a certain date for damages to be sought. If a deadline is missed your ability to make a claim may be limited or denied. It is important that the attorney you hire can meet all filing deadlines.
Often an assistant or other professional working on your case will be the person who answers your calls. Knowing your contact person ahead of time will allow you to avoid the discomfort of talking to a stranger and build trust between you and the firm.
It is normal to be anxious about the progress of your case. Medical bills, loss of income, physical pain and worry all contribute to the stress and urgency you may feel. Finding out, ahead of time, when and how often you can expect to be updated, will help to ease your mind, and manage your expectations. Make sure email addresses and phone numbers are correct and always inform the office immediately if there is a change. Clear communication from all parties involved is paramount to a successful settlement.
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Massachusetts Accident Attorney Disclaimer: The personal injury legal information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice, nor the formation of a lawyer or attorney client relationship. Any results set forth herein are based upon the facts of that particular case and do not represent a promise or guarantee. Please contact an attorney for a consultation on your particular personal injury matter. This website is not intended to solicit clients for matters outside of the state of Massachusetts.
