Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Lawrence, KS

FAQs

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

  Police assistance for non-emergency situations in Lawrence should be reported by calling 785-843-0250. Parking disputes and noise from parties are some examples of non-emergency cases.

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

  Police reports in Lawrence can be requested via email at recordrequest@lkpd.org, through their office, or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope that includes your mailing address, phone number, email address, and details about the report you need. Before anything else, interested parties need to confirm if the document is available by calling the Records Division at 785-832-7501 or by dropping by their office at 5100 Overland Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66049, during office hours.

• What needs to be proven to build a strong personal injury case in Lawrence?

  A successful personal injury claim in Lawrence must show that the other party behaved negligently or recklessly and that the injuries were caused by their actions or inaction. It also needs to be proven that the damages caused by their negligent acts have brought you physical pain and financial losses.

• What is the time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Lawrence?

  The area of Lawrence follows the two-year statute of limitations of Kansas. It means that plaintiffs have two years from the date of the accident to file for a personal injury lawsuit. If they fail to meet the two-year limitation, the court can decide to reject or dismiss the case.

• How does an individual file for a personal injury case if it is against the city of Lawrence?

  If the personal injury case is against the city of Lawrence, the injured party must submit a claim for damages in their writing as stated in the Kansas Statute. A claim form from the Risk Management Division should be submitted along with all the necessary details relating to the accident, including its date, time, and place. Pictures, invoices, or other relevant documents may be requested as needed.

• Is an attorney really needed to handle a personal injury case in Lawrence?

  Retaining the services of a personal injury lawyer in Lawrence is entirely up to you. However, attorneys encourage people involved in personal injury cases to have legal assistance as these matters are stressful and burdensome. Having an attorney by your side can help you prepare the case for filing, determine financial losses from the injuries, work out a strategy, and get the fair settlement that you deserve.

• Do personal injury cases in Lawrence always go to trial?

  Most parties involved in a personal injury case in Lawrence have some interest in resolving the legal dispute, and the reason why based on statistics, most cases arrive at a settlement before it goes to court. Offers from the opposing side, the ambiguity of the jury verdict, and legal fees are a few variables that may affect whether a case proceeds to trial.

• 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.