Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Meridian

FAQs

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

  The Meridian Police Department receives routine calls at 208-888-6678.

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

  Police reports are retrievable online at https://apps.meridiancity.org/PRR/GuestPRR?type=P, and the administration office is at 1401 E. Watertower St., Meridian, Idaho 83642.

• Can the owner of a lively female chihuahua in Meridian with no prior history of violence pose the defense in an animal bite case that the dog was defining her newborns from the victim?

  It is possible that the Meridian-based owner of the chihuahua in this case can claim that she was just protecting her newborns. Meridian is in Idaho, a state that does not have a specific dog-bite law and where judicial precedents allow the defendant to use comparative negligence as a defense. The state might have a vicious dog registry law, but the canine here was never violent before and was arguably provoked given her maternal instincts.

• Can a claimant in Meridian file a medical malpractice suit against a doctor 25 months after an operation if a piece of gauze was left inside after surgery and it was only discovered two months after the procedure?

  Yes, the patient in this set of facts can still sue the doctor in Meridian for medical malpractice. While the general rule is that a party must file a physician's negligence case within 24 months of the misconduct, day zero of this period changes if the plaintiff's condition is not readily apparent. While 25 months have passed, the claimant has up to the 26th to sue because the hidden gauze remained concealed for two months.

• What are the damages recoverable in a wrongful death suit filed in Meridian?

  For wrongful death suits filed in Meridian, the chief damages recoverable are the quantifiable sums spent by the heirs on medical care and burial. The wages that a victim would have made had the death not happened are also obtainable. Compensation is possible for intangible losses like the deprivation of companionship and the suffering the deceased felt in the last days of life.

• Is it wise for a cash-strapped personal injury claimant in Meridian to go solo instead of paying for a lawyer?

  It is generally inadvisable to skimp on a lawyer in Meridian and elsewhere when filing a personal injury case. Attorneys are experienced in negotiating with insurers and countering industry tactics for lowering the payouts due. Practitioners may also charge fees on a contingency basis meaning that services are free until the plaintiff wins, at which point the course gets a cut of the settlement or court judgment.

• If a truck accident occurs in Meridian, who are the parties that a victim could sue in a personal injury case?

  The parties that a truck accident victim in Meridian could sue include the driver's employer if the accident was due in part to poor employee training or the hiring of unqualified personnel. The trucking firm is on the hook alongside any third-party maintenance businesses if the vehicle involved is improperly maintained. Part manufacturers are liable for defective automobile parts that lead to crashes.

• 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.