Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Louisville

FAQs

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

  Please contact 502-574-7111 or 502-574-2111 to get in touch with the Louisville Metro PD for non-emergency police-related concerns.

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

  To obtain a police report on an accident, incident, or offense:

  • Accident, incident, or offense report: there is a $10 charge for each report submitted electronically through the form at https://louisville-police.org/formcenter/Administrative-Services-Division-6/Email-Records-Management-105. Payment options include MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express, and PayPal.
  • In-person: You may pick up reports in person at the location below: 701 West Ormsby Avenue Suite 001 Louisville, KY 40202

• How long does it take for an uncontested divorce in Louisville to be finalized?

  For childless couples, an amicable divorce can be finalized as soon as the parties reach an agreement and sign the necessary paperwork. There is a waiting period of sixty days from the first filing of the case before the divorce decree may be signed for couples with children. Divorcing parents in Louisville must also attend the Families In Transition class.

• If attempts to serve divorce papers to an ex-spouse do not work, what are the other options for a Louisville resident?

  According to Louisville laws, a sheriff or process server may serve the respondent. The court may appoint a warning order attorney to facilitate the serving of the process if it remains troublesome. The attorney is obligated to make reasonable attempts to serve the other party with the warning order. If those efforts fail, the court will consider the other party to have been served.

• Once a divorce has been filed in Louisville, when is it acceptable for either party to begin dating or remarry?

  As Kentucky is a no-fault state, it is technically possible for a couple in Louisville to begin dating at any time in the divorce process. Please note, however, that if you spend money on a new partner, it might be argued that you are squandering community assets and could be obliged to refund those amounts.  You also may not remarry before your divorce decree has been entered by the court, as a subsequent marriage contracted before the decree's entry is null and void.

• What is considered marital and non-marital property in a Louisville divorce?

  Any property obtained during a marriage is deemed to be marital property susceptible to court division during the divorce process in Louisville. The KRS defines marital property as all property obtained after the marriage [KRS 403.190(2)]. Non-marital property may consist of assets carried into the marriage, inherited wealth, gifts, property set aside by a prenuptial agreement, or property moved from a non-marital asset to a new asset.

• Does one have to respond if he or she has been served with divorce papers in Louisville?

  Yes, you have 20 days to provide a response if you have been served divorce papers in Kentucky. If you fail to do so, the opposing party may obtain a default judgment, and you will be unable to contest any of the court's orders in your case. This includes matters involving child custody, property division, and spousal maintenance. It is in your best interest, both legally and personally, to file a response within the allotted 20 days.

• 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.