What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?

A personal injury lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in representing individuals who have suffered physical or psychological injuries due to the negligence or misconduct of others. Their primary role is to provide legal guidance and support to their clients throughout the entire legal process. This includes conducting thorough investigations, gathering evidence, developing effective legal strategies, negotiating with insurance companies or opposing parties, and, if necessary, representing clients in court. Their ultimate objective is to secure fair compensation for their clients’ losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, while ensuring their rights are protected and their best interests are advocated for.

Real estate talking to couple and showing contact - wearing protective face mask. Concept of what does a personal injury lawyer do

Steps to Follow After a Serious Injury

If you have suffered a serious injury in Nevada, it is crucial to take several important steps to protect your rights and ensure you receive the necessary medical care and potential compensation. Here are the key steps you should take after suffering a serious injury:

  1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health and well-being should be your top priority. Seek medical assistance as soon as possible after the injury. Ensure you receive a thorough evaluation, follow all treatment recommendations, and keep detailed records of your medical visits, prescriptions, and expenses.
  2. Report the Incident: If your injury occurred in a public place or as a result of someone else’s actions, report the incident to the appropriate authorities or property owner. Document the details of the incident, take photos if possible, and gather contact information from any witnesses present. Preserve any evidence related to the incident and your injuries. This may include photographs, video footage, damaged property, or any other relevant documentation. This evidence can be crucial in supporting your claim later.
  3. Document Your Damages: Keep detailed records of all expenses and losses associated with your injury. This includes medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and any other related expenses. Your lawyer will use this documentation to accurately calculate the compensation you may be entitled to.
  4. File an Insurance Claim: If applicable, notify your insurance company about the incident and file a claim. Provide them with the necessary documentation and cooperate with their investigation. Your personal injury lawyer can assist you in dealing with insurance matters and help maximize your chances of receiving a fair settlement.

If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, you may want to file a personal injury lawsuit. Your lawyer will guide you through the litigation process, represent your interests in court, and work towards achieving a favorable outcome. It is a good idea to consult with a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an injury. He or she can assess the details of your case, explain your legal rights, and guide you through the entire legal process. An experienced lawyer will help protect your interests, gather additional evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies or the opposing party on your behalf.

How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Nevada?

In Nevada, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim varies depending on the type of injury and the circumstances of the incident. Generally, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Nevada is two years from the date of the injury. This means you have two years from the date of the accident or incident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries.

There are some exceptions and variations to this general rule. For example, if the injury is not immediately apparent, such as in cases of medical malpractice, the two-year period may begin from the date the injury was discovered or should have been discovered with reasonable diligence. Additionally, if the claim involves a government entity or employee, there may be specific notice requirements and shorter time limits to file a claim.

It’s crucial to consult with a personal injury attorney in Nevada to understand the specific deadlines and requirements that apply to your case. An attorney can guide you through the legal process and ensure that you meet all necessary deadlines to protect your rights and maximize your chances of receiving compensation for your injuries.

When Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?

There are several circumstances in which you will need to consult a personal injury lawyer in Nevada if you have been injured due to the negligence or intentional actions of another party. You may be wondering if you need to hire a personal injury lawyer and how a personal injury lawsuit works for victims. While not every personal injury case requires legal representation, there are many situations where hiring a lawyer can be beneficial. Some of these situations include:

  • Serious injuries
  • Long-term or permanent disability
  • Liability disputes
  • Insurance company challenges
  • Accidents that lead to disability

If you have sustained severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, or long-term care, it is crucial to have a personal injury lawyer by your side. These cases often involve significant medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and potential future medical needs. A Nevada personal injury attorney can help ensure you receive fair compensation for these damages.

If your injury results in a long-term or permanent disability that affects your ability to work, earn income, or enjoy a normal quality of life, a personal injury lawyer can help assess the long-term impact of your injury and pursue appropriate compensation.

If there is a dispute over who is at fault for the accident or if the other party denies responsibility, a personal injury lawyer can investigate the circumstances, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.

Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim or offer a settlement that does not fully compensate you for your damages. You may be entitled to more or additional compensation than what the insurance company is offering. Having an experienced personal injury lawyer can help level the playing field and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

Personal injury cases can involve intricate legal rules, statutes, and procedures. A knowledgeable Las Vegas personal injury attorney can navigate the legal system, file the necessary paperwork, meet important deadlines, and handle any legal complexities that arise during your case.

What Compensation Is Available for a Personal Injury Claim?

If you have been seriously injured, you may be wondering how much to ask for in a personal injury settlement. Personal injury lawyers have experience in evaluating the value of your claim and can help you pursue maximum compensation for your damages. In a personal injury claim, various types of compensation, also known as damages, may be available depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Here are some common types of compensation that can be sought in a personal injury claim:

  1. Medical Expenses: Medical expenses may include reimbursement for past and future medical bills related to your injury, such as hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, prescription medications, rehabilitation, therapy, and any necessary medical equipment.
  2. Lost Wages: If your injury has caused you to miss work or has affected your ability to earn income in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
  3. Pain and Suffering: This refers to the physical and emotional distress you have experienced as a result of the injury. Pain and suffering encompasses pain, discomfort, anxiety, depression, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages. Calculating pain and suffering damages can be subjective, and it often depends on the severity of the injury and its impact on your life.
  4. Property Damage: If any of your personal property, such as a vehicle, was damaged in the incident that caused your injury, you may be entitled to compensation for the repair or replacement of the damaged property.
  5. Rehabilitation and Assistive Devices: If your injury requires ongoing rehabilitation, physical therapy, or the use of assistive devices like wheelchairs, crutches, or prosthetics, the costs associated with these services and devices may be included in your claim.

In some cases, you may also be able to seek compensation for emotional distress or mental anguish caused by the accident or injury. Emotional distress and mental anguish may include symptoms such as anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

There are also some personal injury cases where the responsible party’s actions were particularly reckless or intentional. In these types of cases, punitive damages may be awarded. Punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the specific circumstances of the case. Consulting with a Nevada personal injury lawyer is crucial to understand the potential compensation you may be entitled to based on your unique situation. They can assess your case, evaluate the damages you have suffered, and help you pursue the appropriate compensation for your losses.

Christopher D. Burk has been protecting the rights of injured victims in Nevada, Arizona, California, and Hawaii since 2004. He believes that when a person is injured because another person or company was careless, the negligent parties should be held accountable for the damages they’ve caused.

Years of Experience: 20 years
Registration Status:: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: Nevada State Bar Arizona State Bar California State Bar Federal Courts of Nevada, California, and Arizona

Christopher D. Burk has been protecting the rights of injured victims in Nevada, Arizona, California, and Hawaii since 2004. He believes that when a person is injured because another person or company was careless, the negligent parties should be held accountable for the damages they’ve caused.

Years of Experience: 20 years
Registration Status:: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: Nevada State Bar Arizona State Bar California State Bar Federal Courts of Nevada, California, and Arizona

Related blog articles