Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Missoula

FAQs

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

  You may call the non-emergency report desk of the Missoula Police Department at 406-552-6300.

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

  To request a Missoula police report, call the Records Unit at 406-552-6303, Mondays through Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on public holidays. You may also send requests by mail to: Missoula Police Department Attn: Records 435 Ryman Street Missoula, MT 59802

• What are the damages you can recover in a Missoula personal injury case?

  If you got injured in Missoula due to someone else’s negligence, you are entitled to recover compensation for the losses you incurred as a result of the incident. Typically, the amount should be able to cover medical treatment costs, property damage, and lost wages due to your time away from work. You may also be able to recover compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

• Aside from securing financial compensation for you, what else can a personal injury lawyer in Missoula help you with?

  Personal injury lawyers in Missoula are well-connected professionals. They go beyond their usual tasks of dealing with paperwork, conducting investigations, and negotiating with insurance companies to ensure your well-being throughout your ordeal. They can help you find and gain access to the resources you need to manage chronic pain and work through the trauma and grief the incident caused you.

• What should you do if you are injured by a defective product in Missoula?

  In Missoula, if you sustained injuries after using a particular product and you highly suspect that it had some type of defect that caused you harm, you must save that product and its original packaging or instructions. You must also take note of the make, model, serial number, and any other essential identifying information about the product. Also, make sure to seek medical attention if necessary to get your injuries treated right away.

• If a Missoula doctor failed to treat you, do you have a personal injury case?

  Possibly. In the event that a medical professional in Missoula does not treat you, regardless of the reason, they can be held responsible for your illness or injury. This may be considered an error in diagnosis in some cases, while in other circumstances, it might be due to negligence. Either way, it would be wise of you to seek advice and guidance from an experienced personal injury lawyer to build a potential case on your behalf.

• How long do you have to file a personal injury case in Missoula?

  The Montana Law states that you generally have three years from the date when you sustained injuries to bring a claim in Missoula or you’ll lose your opportunity to recover damages. Medical malpractice and wrongful death caused by carelessness or unlawful conduct are both covered by this three-year statute. It is in your best interest to submit your claim as soon as possible since the more recent the accident, the easier it is for you and your legal team to build a successful case.

• 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.