Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Lawrence

FAQs

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

  To reach the Lawrence Police Department, call (978) 794-5900.

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

  To obtain a police report from the Lawrence Police Department, you can visit the Records Division at 90 Lowell Street, Lawrence, MA 01840, or send them a request by mail to the same address. You can also call them at (978) 794-5900 for more information. Please be informed that reports cost $1 per page.

• Can you still sue the employer of a loved one in Lawrence who suffered injuries from a fall even though they were wearing safety equipment?

  It can be challenging to provide a straightforward answer to questions like this as there is always more to the story that complicates the events that transpired. Generally, you can, but whether or not you will win the case will be determined by the amount of negligence the employer in Lawrence displayed. For example, your loved one may have been provided safety equipment, but without proper training, it may not be enough to keep injuries from happening.

• What affects the overall value of your claim for a personal injury caused by a defective product in Lawrence?

  Determining the value of your case is one of the tasks your personal injury attorney in Lawrence accomplishes. They must consider the following:

  • How long it's going to take for you to get back to work
  • The severity and extent of your injuries
  • Whether or not the injury has impacted the range of your motions (for work and personal reasons)
  • If the negligent company was aware of the product defects, ask them for punitive damages

• Is it difficult to file a case against the local government of Lawrence for a defective sidewalk that caused your injury?

  A claim for personal injury caused by a defective product in Lawrence can be denied in numerous ways. However, one of the most common reasons is if the injured was not using the product as intended. For example, there may not be a case for someone who willingly swallows detergent pods, suffers injuries, and then files a case that the pouches do not have structural integrity.

• Is there any way that your claim for a product defect can be denied in Lawrence?

  A claim for personal injury caused by a defective product in Lawrence can be denied in numerous ways. However, one of the most common reasons is if the injured was not using the product as intended. For example, there may not be a case for someone who willingly swallows detergent pods, suffers injuries, and then files a case that the pouches do not have structural integrity.

• How do you know if your elderly loved one is suffering from abuse in a nursing home in Lawrence?

  There are several signs to know if an elderly loved one is suffering from abuse in a nursing home in Lawrence. You can check for any changes in their behavior, such as becoming increasingly withdrawn, on top of any outward physical signs like bruising or open wounds that aren't cleaned or dressed. You can also check for signs of dehydration and weight loss that point to neglect in proper feeding. It would also help to note if there are enough staff members to tend to the number of patients.

• 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.