Getting hurt is stressful enough. Figuring out what kind of lawyer you need shouldn’t make it even harder.
Maybe you were injured in a car accident. Maybe you slipped and fell at a grocery store. Maybe a dog bit you during a walk around your neighborhood. Or maybe you were hurt at work and aren’t sure whether you need a personal injury lawyer or someone else.
Every legal case is different, and the right attorney depends on how the injury happened. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand where your situation may fit.
Table of Contents
Toggle
When Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?
A personal injury lawyer helps people who were injured because someone else’s negligence caused an accident.
Negligence simply means another person or business failed to use reasonable care, and someone got hurt as a result.
At The Advocates, that includes many of the most common injury cases, such as:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Dog bites
- Unsafe property or premises accidents
For example, if another driver runs a red light and crashes into your car, a grocery store ignores a dangerous spill that causes you to fall, or a dog owner fails to control an aggressive pet, a personal injury attorney may be able to help you pursue compensation.
What If I Was Hurt at Work?
Workplace injuries often follow a different legal process than most personal injury cases.
If you were injured while performing your job duties, you may have a workers’ compensation claim instead of (or sometimes in addition to) a personal injury claim. The answer depends on how the accident happened and who was responsible.
For example, if you slipped while stocking shelves at work, workers’ compensation may be your primary option. But if a delivery driver from another company caused the accident, or defective equipment contributed to your injuries, there may be additional legal options available.
Because every workplace accident is different, it’s important to understand what type of claim applies before moving forward.
What If Someone Assaulted Me?
An assault is different from a typical personal injury accident because it involves intentional conduct rather than negligence.
In many situations, an assault may lead to a criminal case handled by law enforcement. However, there are circumstances where a civil personal injury claim may also exist.
For example, if inadequate security at an apartment complex, hotel, bar, or shopping center contributed to the assault, the property owner could potentially share responsibility for failing to provide a reasonably safe environment.
These cases can be more complex than a typical accident, so it’s important to understand all of your legal options.
What If My Car Was Damaged but I Wasn’t Hurt?
Not every car accident requires a personal injury lawyer.
If the crash only caused damage to your vehicle and no one was injured, you may be able to resolve the claim directly through the insurance companies.
However, some injuries don’t appear immediately. Pain, stiffness, headaches, and other symptoms can develop hours or even days after a collision.
If you begin experiencing symptoms after the accident, or the insurance company starts disputing your claim, it may be worth speaking with a personal injury attorney before accepting a settlement.
Not Sure What Kind of Lawyer You Need?
You don’t have to know exactly what type of legal claim you have before asking questions.
A brief conversation with an attorney can often help you understand whether your situation involves a personal injury claim, another type of legal matter, or whether you may not need an attorney at all.
If you’ve been injured and aren’t sure where to start, The Advocates can review your situation, explain your options, and help point you in the right direction during a free consultation. Talk with an Advocate today.