Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Springfield

FAQs

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

  To report non-emergency incidents and concerns, contact the Springfield Police Department at (413) 787-6300.

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

  To get a copy of a police report, contact the Springfield Police Department with the details below. Records Access Officer Talia Gee 36 Court St., Room 210, Springfield, MA 01103 (413) 787-6085 You can also search for and download police reports on the Springfield Public Records Portal: https://springfieldma.mycusthelp.com/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(qdhn2ssvfmbzdobqovaykvzr))/supporthome.aspx

• Can you file a personal injury claim if you were partly at fault for the accident in Springfield?

  Yes. Being at fault doesn’t prevent you from claiming damages. Springfield’s comparative negligence rule allows you to recover compensation as long as your fault is 50% or less. If you are at fault for 51% or more, you will not be compensated. Note that your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your fault percentage. For example, if you are 10% at fault then your compensation of $50,000 will also be reduced by 10% to $45,000.

• What is the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Springfield, MA?

  You have three years from the date the cause of your injury occurred to file the claim. However, if you are making a personal injury claim against the city of Springfield, the statute of limitations is reduced to two years. If the personal injury involves a public works defect, the deadline to file is further reduced to 30 days according to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84.

• Is the owner liable for a dog bite attack in Springfield even if the dog displayed no aggressive behavior in the past?

  Yes. Unlike other states that apply the one-bite rule, the state implements a “strict liability” in dog bite cases. The dog owner will be liable for any person's injury or property damage caused by the dog. There is an exception to this. The owner will not be liable for a dog attack in Springfield if the victim was trespassing or teasing, abusing, or tormenting the dog.

• How much is the loss of a limb valued in personal injury cases in Springfield?

  There is no dollar value assigned to body parts in personal injury cases. Your lawyer in Springfield will work with financial analysts and vocational planners to evaluate your abilities and the resulting disabilities to place a financial value on the consequences of losing that limb. Ultimately, the value of your personal injury case will depend on the court trial or settlement negotiation.

• Can you afford a personal injury lawyer in Springfield?

  Generally, yes. Most personal injury lawyers in Springfield and across the country take cases on a contingency basis. Meaning, they do not get paid unless they are able to win the trial or secure an insurance settlement for the injury victim. their payment will be collected from the settlement or verdict award. This means the injury victim will not have to pay the lawyer out of their own pocket.

• 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.