This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Justin C. Olsinski following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. Justin C. Olsinski, the Founding Partner, has 16+ years of legal experience as an attorney.
Getting harmed in an accident can change everything about your life. Medical bills pile up. You miss work and lose wages. The pain affects your daily routine. During this tough time, you might wonder if you need a personal injury lawyer.
The answer is yes. An experienced personal injury lawyer with plenty of expertise will protect your rights and fight for reasonable recompense. They handle the legal work while you focus on getting better. Olsinski Law has helped many injury victims recover the compensation they deserve after accidents.
There are many different types of accidents and injuries that fall under the umbrella of personal injury law. This area of law helps people who got hurt because someone else was careless. The purpose is to ensure that people who are hurt are compensated for their losses and damages.
Personal injury cases encompass a range of incidents, including car accidents, slips and falls, medical malpractice, and workplace injuries. Other cases involve truck crashes, motorcycle accidents, and dog bites. Product defects can also cause serious injuries. Each type of case has its own rules and challenges.
You can ask for compensation to offset your losses when you submit a personal injury claim. Medical bills are typically the largest component of any settlement or court judgment. This includes hospital bills, doctor visits, and future medical expenses.
Lost wages comprise another significant portion of most personal injury cases. If you can't work because of your injuries, you deserve compensation for that lost income. Severe injuries might cause permanent disability, which means you'll lose future earnings too.
Non-economic damages encompass aspects such as pain and suffering. Chronic pain, emotional distress, and lost quality of life all have value. These damages are equally as essential as medical expenditures, but they are harder to figure out.
Many people believe they can handle their injury claim. This is usually a mistake. There are lawyers and adjusters working for insurance companies who are against you. You need someone on your side who knows how the system works.
Most personal injury lawyers have years of experience with these cases. They are aware of the most important legal aspects. A good personal injury lawyer knows how to establish a strong case and show that the other party was at fault.
Personal injury lawyers manage all the paperwork and legal work that comes with personal injury cases. They know the deadlines you must meet. Missing these deadlines can destroy your case. A personal injury law firm has the resources to investigate your accident properly.
Olsinski Law has handled hundreds of personal injury cases. Our team knows how to gather evidence, conduct interviews with witnesses, and collaborate with expert witnesses. This experience enables us to deliver better results for our clients.
Insurance companies want to pay as little as possible. They often make quick, low offers, hoping you'll accept them. These offers rarely cover all your losses. An injury lawyer knows how to maximize compensation for your case.
Personal injury lawyers understand all the damages you can claim. They ensure you receive compensation for both current and future medical expenses. They also fight for lost wages and reduced earning capacity. Maximum compensation includes payment for your pain and suffering, too.
Many personal injury lawyers work with medical experts and economists. These expert witnesses help demonstrate the long-term financial impact of your injuries. They can testify about your future medical needs and potential lost earnings.
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They use various tactics to minimize their expenses. They might claim you were partly at fault for the accident. Or they might argue that your injuries aren't as serious as you say they are.
These tricks are well-known to a seasoned personal injury lawyer. They protect you from saying things that could hurt your case. Personal injury lawyers offer skilled negotiation with insurance carriers. They know when an offer is fair and when to push for more money.
Most personal injury cases settle out of court. But insurance companies take you more seriously when you have a lawyer. This makes it more likely that they will offer a fair deal.
Personal injury lawyers work on many different types of cases. Some are simple and settle quickly. Others are complex and take years to resolve. Here are the most common types of personal injury accidents.
Every year, car accidents hurt thousands of people. These cases can be complicated when multiple parties are involved. Determining who was at fault isn't always clear. Police reports can be helpful, but they don't always tell the whole story.
An accident lawyer knows how to investigate car crashes properly. They work with accident reconstruction experts when needed. They also deal with multiple insurance companies and their adjusters. This is especially important when the at-fault party doesn't have enough liability insurance.
Property owners must keep their premises safe. When they fail to do this, people get hurt. People can get hurt badly in slip and fall accidents, such as breaking bones or hitting their heads. These cases often involve proving the property owner was negligent.
A fall accident lawyer knows how to gather evidence quickly. They take photos of the accident scene and interview witnesses. They also review the property owner's maintenance records. This evidence helps prove that the property owner should have been aware of the dangerous condition.
Medical malpractice is one of the most difficult kinds of personal injury litigation. To show that a doctor or hospital was careless, you need expert medical testimony. You need a lawyer who knows how medical procedures work and what the standards of care are.
These cases also involve large amounts of money. Medical malpractice can cause life-altering injuries or death. The litigation process is lengthy and expensive. Only experienced personal injury attorneys handle these cases.
Workers' compensation usually pays for injuries that happen at work. You can also file a personal injury case, though. This happens when a third party causes your injury. For example, if a drunk driver hit you while you were working.
An injury lawyer can assist you in figuring out what to do. They can sue the person or company that is responsible for the injury. This may result in a higher payout than workers' compensation alone. They also help when employers try to deny valid claims.
Hiring the right legal representative can make a significant difference in your case. Personal injury lawyers offer many benefits that you can't get on your own. These advantages often mean the difference between a successful claim and a failed one.
Recovering from an accident should be your top priority. But insurance companies won't wait for you to heal. They start investigating immediately and may pressure you to settle quickly. This creates stress when you should be resting.
A lawyer for personal injury takes care of the legal process. They talk to insurance providers, collect proof, and fill out forms. This allows you to concentrate on getting better and getting the care you need. You don't have to worry about missing deadlines or making mistakes.
Most people don't have access to accident reconstruction experts or medical specialists. Personal injury law firms frequently collaborate with these professionals. They know which experts to call for different types of cases.
Your case might be won or lost by expert witnesses. They help prove how the accident happened and why the other party was at fault. Medical experts will explain your injuries and outline your future treatment needs. Economic experts calculate your lost earning capacity.
Personal injury accidents don't just cause physical harm. They also create emotional distress and mental anguish. Many injury victims develop anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress. These psychological injuries are just as real as broken bones.
Personal injury lawyers understand the full impact of your injuries. They know how to document emotional distress and include it in your claim. This comprehensive approach helps you get fair compensation for all your losses.
Knowing how the law works helps you know what to expect. Personal injury cases generally follow a standard pattern, although each case is unique. Here's what typically happens when you hire a personal injury lawyer.
Most lawyers who work on personal injury lawsuits will meet with you for free at first. You will discuss what happened and share any evidence you have at this meeting. The lawyer will review your case and inform you of your legal options.
This consultation is important for both sides. You get to ask questions and see if you're comfortable with the lawyer. The lawyer determines if your case has merit and decides whether to represent you.
As soon as you employ a lawyer, they start looking into the case. They gather police reports, medical records, and witness statements. They also visit the accident scene and take photos if possible.
This investigation phase is crucial. Evidence can disappear quickly after an accident. Witnesses might forget important details. Your lawyer works fast to preserve all the evidence that supports your case.
Your lawyer will make a claim with the insurance company of the person who was at fault. They'll demand a fair settlement for all your losses. The insurance company will investigate and make an offer.
Most cases are settled during this phase of negotiation. Your lawyer will try to obtain the most money possible for you without going to court. They know when an offer is fair and when to keep fighting. If the insurance company doesn't make a reasonable offer, your lawyer might file a lawsuit.
If your case goes to court, your lawyer will present it to a judge and jury. They'll call witnesses and present evidence to prove the other party was negligent. The jury will decide if you win and how much money you get.
Most personal injury cases settle before trial. Settlement negotiations can occur at any time, even after a lawsuit has been filed. Your lawyer will keep you informed about all relevant details.
Not all lawyers are the same. You want someone who specializes in personal injury law and has experience with cases like yours. Here are the key factors to consider when selecting a legal representative.
Personal injury law is a complex and constantly evolving field. You need a lawyer who focuses on this area of law. Look for a lawyer who specializes in handling personal injury cases exclusively. They should have experience with cases similar to yours.
A good lawyer will have a clear legal strategy for your case. They should explain how they plan to prove the other party was at fault and what compensation you might expect. Even cases involving minor injuries deserve professional attention.
A lawyer's reputation matters. Look for online reviews from past clients. Check the lawyer's website for testimonials and a list of case results. You can also ask your relatives and friends for suggestions.
Professional organizations also recognize good lawyers. Look for lawyers who are members of trial lawyer associations. Awards and recognition from legal organizations show that other lawyers respect their work.
Some people believe they can handle their own injury claims. This is usually a mistake that costs them money. Here are the biggest risks associated with handling your case without professional help.
Insurance companies know you're more likely to accept a low offer if you don't have a lawyer. They might offer you much less than your case is worth. You might not know about all the damages you can claim.
Studies show that individuals who have lawyers tend to receive more compensation than those who do not. Even after paying legal fees, you usually end up with more money in your pocket. The increase in compensation more than pays for the lawyer's fee.
There are stringent deadlines, called statutes of limitations, for personal injury cases. If you don't meet these deadlines, you can't sue. Different types of cases have different deadlines.
There are also many procedural rules you must follow. Filing the wrong paperwork or missing a deadline can destroy your case. Insurance companies know these rules and will use them against you if possible.
A great deal of individuals don't understand what personal injury lawyers do. These myths prevent some people from getting the help they need. Let's clear up the most common misunderstandings.
This is probably the biggest myth about personal injury lawyers. Most work on contingency fees. You don't pay anything upfront. You only pay if you win your case.
Studies show that individuals who have lawyers typically receive more compensation than those who do not. Even after paying legal fees, you typically end up with more compensation. The lawyer's expertise and negotiation skills more than pay for their fee.
Some people think personal injury lawyers are just looking for easy money. This stereotype is neither fair nor accurate. Good personal injury lawyers genuinely care about helping those who have been injured.
Olsinski Law fights for justice and fair compensation for our clients. We understand that money can't undo your injuries. But it can help you get the medical care you need and replace your lost income.
There are a number of steps involved in filing a personal injury claim. Having a lawyer handle this process ensures everything is done correctly and on time. Here's what you can expect when you work with a personal injury law firm.
Your lawyer will initiate the process by sending a demand letter to the insurance company. This letter explains what happened and demands compensation for your losses. It includes medical records, police reports, and other evidence supporting your insurance claim.
The insurance company will investigate your claim. They might want further information or ask for an interview. Your lawyer will guide you through this process and ensure that your rights are protected.
Personal injury claims have strict deadlines. In most states, you have two to three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. But it's better to start your claim much sooner.
Your lawyer will make sure all deadlines are met. They'll file your claim promptly and keep track of important dates. This ensures that you don't lose your right to compensation due to a missed deadline.
Attempting to handle your personal injury case on your own is a risky endeavor. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters working against you. Without legal representation, you're at a serious disadvantage.
Insurance companies know you're more vulnerable without a lawyer. They might use tactics that wouldn't work against an experienced attorney. They might pressure you to settle quickly before you know the full extent of your injuries.
You may also make mistakes that can harm your case. You may be asked to give a recorded statement that could be used against you later. You might accept a settlement that's far less than your case is worth.
If you've been injured in an accident, don't wait to get legal help. Time is crucial in personal injury cases. Evidence can disappear, and witnesses might forget important details.
Olsinski Law offers free consultations to injury victims. We'll review your case and explain your legal options with no cost or obligation. We handle all types of personal injury cases, from car accidents to medical malpractice. Our experienced team fights for fair compensation against insurance companies. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don't pay unless we win. Contact us today for your free initial consultation.
Mr. Olsinski founded his criminal defense practice in Charlotte, NC, in January 2010. He has successfully defended cases ranging from B1 Felony First Degree Sex Offenses/First Degree Murder to Misdemeanor marijuana charges.
