Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Jackson

FAQs

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

  The Jackson Police Department’s non-emergency line is (601) 960-1234.

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

  To get a copy of a police report, call the Jackson Police Department’s Records Division at (601) 960-1345.

• How can you pay for your medical bills while your personal injury case in Jackson is pending?

  Ideally, you will have your own health insurance provider cover the medical expenses while the case is ongoing. Your Jackson personal injury attorney will work to get them reimbursed once your compensation has been received. The attorney can also make a court filing to stop harassment from collectors in case they come after you for the pending payment.

• What damages are available for personal injury claimants in Jackson?

  The damages you can claim depend on several factors, including the severity and potential permanence of the injury. Mississippi law provides for both financial and subjective damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, reduced earning ability, lost wages, permanent impairment, and disfigurement. A claimant in Jackson who has lost a spouse due to someone's negligence may also get compensation for loss of companionship and emotional distress.

• How long do you have to file a personal injury claim in Jackson?

  According to the Mississippi Code Section 15-1-49, personal injury cases in Jackson must be filed within three years from the date the cause of the injury occurred. Note that if you are filing a personal injury claim against a government employee or entity, you must do it within one year only. This statute of limitations specific to state entities is stipulated in the Mississippi Code Section 11-46-11(1).

• What is the Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) in Jackson, and how does it affect your personal injury case?

  Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) refers to the point where your medical condition has become stable or you have recovered from your injuries, and your physician is able to provide a clear prognosis for your future medical condition. Important information will be obtained when you reach MMI, including the full extent of your injury and how much your future treatments will cost. This information will help determine how much your Jackson personal injury case is worth.

• Can you still get compensation for your injury in Jackson if you signed a liability waiver?

  Possibly. Liability waivers in Jackson, like those in amusement parks, usually waive the other party's liability for injuries caused by “ordinary negligence” only. If your situation involves any of the factors below, your personal injury lawyer may be able to sue the other party for your compensation.

  • Gross negligence
  • Defective products released in the public market
  • Unclear language on the waiver
  • Unlawful working on the waiver
  • Misrepresentation of the product or activity you were signing off on

• 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.