Do I Have a Personal Injury Case? How to Determine if My Situation Is a Case for a Lawyer?

Obtaining a Personal Injury Lawyer

Determining whether or not you need legal counsel is not always easy. You know that you were injured, but who is responsible for said injury? You know that you will have to deal with expensive medical costs and lost wages, but who will cover these costs? These are just a few of the questions that you might have after an accident and a personal injury lawyer can be a great source of information.

Requirements of an Erie Personal Injury Case

In order to file a personal injury claim, your case must include the following four elements:

• Duty of care: The responsible person must have held a legal duty of care for your wellbeing
• Breach of duty: The person must have breached that duty of care in some way. This is usually in the form of negligence or intentional harm
• Causation: The breach of duty must have been the cause of the injury
• Damages: There must be actual, payable damages present from the injury

Building a Personal Injury Case

Not only do these elements need to be present, but there must also be evidence to identify them. Your lawyer might use the following information as evidence in your personal injury case:

•  Medical records
•  Police report
•  Witness statements
•  Expert witness report
•  Income verification
•  Receipt of property damages

Other costs, like pain and suffering and diminished earning capacity, may also be payable under a personal injury case. However, these costs are more difficult to calculate and require the expertise of a personal injury lawyer.

The amount of damages that you suffered may also determine whether or not you require legal representation. Because most lawyers receive compensation based on the damages paid, the damages must be of a significant amount. Otherwise, the legal charges could outweigh the compensation collected.

Of course, it will also depend on how clear liability is. We must be able to determine who is responsible while demonstrating that their liability is what directly led to your injury.

How Do You Know If You Need Legal Representation?

It is not always easy to determine the damages that you are eligible for or if you even have the necessary evidence to bring a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. If another person was the cause of your injury that led to significant damages, then it may be a good idea to speak with a personal injury lawyer.

Keep in mind that the insurance company may step in and minimize your damages while pushing for a settlement. They may assure you that you don’t require a lawyer. Because insurance companies are in business to protect their own interests, it is best to consult with a personal injury lawyer, just in case.

Purchase, George & Murphey P.C. offers a free consultation to better serve you. During this meeting, we will go over the details of your case while determining what your legal options are going forward. Our team is experienced, friendly, and ready to fight for the justice that you deserve.

Contact an Erie Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Personal Injury Case in Pennsylvania

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a personal injury in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. represent clients injured because of personal injury in Erie, Millcreek, Harborcreek, Fairview, Meadville and throughout Pennsylvania. Call 814-273-2010 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2525 W 26th St, Erie, PA 16506 as well as offices in Meadville and North East.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.

Check out our other blogs on this topic:

• Determining Fault in a Personal Injury Case
• Lies Auto Insurance Companies Tell You After a Car Accident
• What are the Most Common Vehicle Accident Injuries?
• Proving Negligence and Fault in a Personal Injury Lawsuit