In legal terms, “injury” is defined as any harm done to a
person by the acts or omissions of another. Injury may include physical hurt as
well as damage to reputation or dignity, loss of a legal right or breach of
contract. In cases of personal injury,
lawsuits are focused on injury that results from acts of negligence from either
a person or company.
FUNCTION
The purpose of personal injury laws is to protect people
from being harmed by the negligent acts of others. When harm does occur, a personal
injury lawsuit is brought in order to compel insurance companies and/or the
responsible parties to compensate the injured person, to the extent possible, so
that the person is placed back into his/her pre-injury condition. A successful
personal injury suit will ensure that the injured party’s medical bills, lost
wages (both present and future), pain and suffering, and other related expenses
are paid for by the party responsible for the injury.
TYPES
While there are many types of personal injury cases, the
most common is for injuries sustained in traffic accidents. Other types of
personal injury claims stem from animal bites, slip and fall accidents,
workplace injuries, products liability and wrongful death. Since personal
injury law spans a wide range of topics, many personal injury lawyers will
specialize in a few select types. Some lawyers will focus more on
individualized injuries, such as car accidents and slip and fall, while others
will specialize in larger cases that deal with defective products and
large-scale work injury, such as asbestos and mesothelioma. Most personal
injury negotiations and litigation involve insurance companies to some extent.
COST
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee. This
means that the lawyer only gets compensated if the lawsuit is successful. If the
lawsuit fails, the lawyer does not receive a fee. However, when the judge finds
for the plaintiff, the lawyer will receive a percentage of the total amount
awarded. The amount varies from state to state, but typically a lawyer will be
compensated one-third of the amount granted. The percentage taken for legal
services will be disclosed and agreed upon prior to representation.
For further information regarding Personal Injury claims, consider
contacting a Seattle Personal Injury Lawyer.
Weitz Law Firm, PLLC
520 Kirkland
Way, Suite 103 Kirkland, Washington 98033
www.weitzlawfirm.com
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