Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Tempe

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Tempe, Arizona?

  For non-emergency concerns, you can reach the Tempe police department by dialing 480-350-8311.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Tempe, Arizona?

  Police records can be requested by mail or in person at the Tempe Police Department Lobby. You must submit a formal request form. Payment is accepted via cash, check, or money order made payable to the City of Tempe. If the report is over 20 pages, each additional page of a police report costs $0.25.

• What compensation are you entitled to if you suffered catastrophic injuries in Tempe?

  The severity of an injury, whether or not it prevents the sufferer from returning to work, and any emotional distress produced by the incident are all factors in determining the monetary compensation for catastrophic injuries in Tempe. Damages cover missed wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium, all of which the at-fault party should reimburse you.

• What should you do following a dog bite in Tempe?

  After the dog bite incident in Tempe, take pictures of the dog, where it happened, and the bite marks. Write down the dog's name, the dog's breed, the owner's phone number, and other relevant information. Then go to the hospital to treat your wound and request copies of your medical records and receipts. You can also report the incident to your city's animal control center so they can look into what happened and keep a record of it.

• Can you still initiate a lawsuit when you signed a liability waiver in Tempe?

  Yes. Even though you signed a waiver of liability in Tempe, you can still initiate a case. Signing these waivers does not preclude you from obtaining damages in the event of an injury. But, if you signed a waiver, it may make it more difficult to recover compensation, but the enforceability of the waiver is a subject for the courts. For a waiver of liability to be valid in Arizona, the participant must have knowingly waived a known right.

• Would a pre-existing ailment prevent you from filing a personal injury claim in Tempe?

  You may still claim for personal injury in Tempe. Yet, insurance companies and at-fault parties may use the victim's pre-existing conditions as an excuse to not pay compensation for the later injuries. But note that, according to Arizona law, you are entitled to compensation if an accident has worsened a pre-existing ailment. Your pre-accident health must be considered when establishing the legitimacy of your claim and calculating the amount of compensation you are entitled to receive.

• How can you establish liability in a slip-and-fall accident in Tempe?

  When you have sustained injury due to a slip-and-fall accident, you need to prove that the other individual was at fault for the conditions that led to the accident to receive compensation. Evidence must be presented to show that the owner created the conditions leading to the fall, knew about them and did not fix them, or failed to identify them for a prolonged time. The risk generated by the conditions must be unreasonable, and it must be predictable that they would result in harm.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.