Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Pawtucket, RI

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Pawtucket, Rhode Island?

  For non-emergencies, call the general phone line of the Pawtucket Police Department at 401-727-9100.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Pawtucket, Rhode Island?

  Incident reports can be obtained in person or by mail to the Pawtucket Police Department at 121 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02860. The prescribed report request form can be downloaded at http://www.pawtucketpolice.com/faq/index.html, and should be submitted for each request. Call the main line of the police station at 401-727-9100 for more information.

• Which court handles personal injury cases in Pawtucket?

  The Providence County Superior Court handles personal injury cases in Pawtucket for damages above $10,000. Civil jury and non-jury trials are heard in this court located at 250 Benefit Street, Licht Judicial Complex, Providence, Rhode Island. Call the superior court administrator's office at (401) 222-3215 or the presiding justice's office at (401) 222-3212 for any questions.

• What are some of the things you should avoid if you have a personal injury claim in Pawtucket?

  Avoid talking to anyone about your accident in Pawtucket or posting about it on social media. Insurance adjusters could use anything you say that may compromise your claim. Avoid ignoring the medical bills sent to you because they could put you in debt if you do not maximize your settlement negotiation. Lastly, do not fail to follow the advice of the doctor nor fail to consult your case with a lawyer.

• Is it possible to change your personal injury lawyer in Pawtucket?

  Yes. You can freely change your personal injury lawyer if you do not like how your case in Pawtucket is heading. Your current lawyer is required to hand over your case files to the new lawyer, but you do not need to pay your previous lawyer yet. You may get billed for the services already rendered on your case as soon as you receive your settlement.

• Is there a limit on the amount a medical malpractice victim in Pawtucket can receive?

  No. There are no caps to compensation recovery of malpractice victims in Pawtucket and everywhere in Rhode Island. Victims and their families are generally not limited in getting compensated for losses such as corrective surgery, assisted living expenses, and past, present, and future medical costs. They have to file the lawsuit within three years after the medical error happened or was reasonably discovered.

• How can a personal injury lawyer help those injured in a boating accident in Pawtucket?

  A personal injury lawyer can help individuals injured in boating accidents recover financial compensation for their losses. This can be for different types of accidents in Pawtucket, including collisions, crashes with stationary objects, and ski incidents. Lawyers can also represent victims of boating under the influence of drugs and alcohol. They can formalize personal injury cases in court or negotiate settlements.

• 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.