Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Franklin

FAQs

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

  (615) 794-2513 is the non-emergency contact number for the Franklin Police Department in Tennessee.

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

  You can obtain a copy of a police report through the Franklin Police Department Records Section located at the main lobby of the Police Headquarters, 900 Columbia Avenue. You can also contact the Records Section by phone at (615) 791-3234 or via fax at (615) 591-5618.

• What is the time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Franklin?

  In general, you have one year from the date of your Franklin accident to file a claim. This is based on Tennessee's statute of limitations. If you do not file a lawsuit against a responsible party within this time frame, the case may be dismissed. If the victim is a juvenile, the statute of limitations is extended until the minor reaches 19. The statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases in Tennessee is one year from the date the victim discovers the injury.

• Do most personal injury cases in Franklin go to court?

  The majority of personal injury claims are settled with insurance companies. Because going to court may be challenging and time-consuming, most personal injury cases are resolved without going to trial. It is advised to retain the services of an experienced Franklin personal injury attorney to assist you during the negotiation or mediation process. Lawyers can help you determine fair compensation for your injuries and losses. If mediation or negotiation fails to yield a reasonable outcome, the case may go to trial.

• Are there limits on non-economic damages you can sue for in Franklin?

  In most personal injury lawsuits in Franklin, the cap for non-economic damages is $750,000 per individual. Non-economic damages are limited to $1 million in catastrophic injury cases involving amputation, paralysis, and wrongful death. On the other hand, the law does not restrict the amount of economic damages injured individuals can recover.

• What are some examples of compensatory damages in Franklin?

  In Franklin, compensatory damages can be both economic and non-economic in nature. Lost wages, property damage, past and future medical expenditures, and lost earning capacity are examples of compensatory economic damages. Meanwhile, non-economic damages include emotional distress, loss of consortium, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

• Are personal injury settlements taxable in Franklin?

  In most cases, personal injury settlements are not taxable in Franklin. However, it is dependent on the type of compensation. Generally, lost wages and physical damages are not taxable. On the other hand, punitive damages and the interest earned on your settlement are taxable. If you are dealing with these concerns, you must seek a Franklin personal injury lawyer who understands tax implications.

• 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.