Accidents happen all the time. Every day we are all subject to the potential for misfortune. It is impossible to be prepared for every eventuality. Fortunately, if the worst does happen, you have options to help get your life back on track. A Georgetown personal injury attorney can help you recover the compensation you need to move on after an accident.
At Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward Injury Attorneys, we have helped countless accident victims to get the money they deserve after an injury. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We can guide you through the steps that will need to be taken in order to receive the compensation you need.
What Does a Georgetown Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
If you hire a personal injury lawyer in Georgetown, they will take over every aspect of your legal case. This leaves you free to focus on other things, like healing from your wounds. Your lawyer will handle all the necessary paperwork and take over all communications with any insurance companies involved.
One of the first actions a personal injury attorney in Georgetown is likely to take is to launch an independent investigation into your accident. The focus of this inquiry will be to first determine all liable parties and then to gather evidence to support your case. Likely steps that your lawyer will take include:
- Visiting the accident scene
- Interviewing any witnesses
- Consulting with s
- Obtaining copies of any accident reports
- Reviewing your medical records
After completing their investigation, your attorney will evaluate your total damages and calculate the value of your claim. They will then either file a claim on your behalf with an insurance company or file a lawsuit with the court. If filing a lawsuit, your attorney will begin the pretrial process and, if necessary, argue your case in court.
Throughout every step of the process, your attorney will be in contact with the legal counsel for the opposition. They will attempt to negotiate a fair settlement that gives you the money you need to work your way back from injury.
What Damages Can You Claim After an Accident?
After an accident, you are likely eligible to recover compensation for a variety of damages. The particular damages that you can recover will depend on the specifics of your case. Common damages you may be able to claim include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical costs
- Permanent disability
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
All of the above can be split between economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the losses for which there is a direct financial impact. Medical bills and lost wages can be easily calculated. Even future medical costs can be determined without too much difficulty. Compensation for these losses aims to directly offset the financial expenses you incurred as a result of your accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are less straightforward. These damages are the things you lost in an accident which cannot be replaced. It is impossible to properly compensate someone for a permanent disability or the loss of a loved one. However, since our legal system has nothing better to offer than money for these situations, the amount assigned tends to be significant.
Non-economic damages typically account for the bulk of a personal injury compensation package.
How Much does a Personal Injury Attorney in Georgetown Charge?
A personal injury lawyer does not charge clients in the same manner as most other attorneys. Instead of charging clients for every little action they take on a case, personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means that your lawyer only gets paid if they secure you compensation.
If you do receive money for your case, your lawyer’s fee will be directly deducted from your compensation package. How much your lawyer receives will be based on a predetermined percentage that they will discuss with you before you retain their services. You will never pay a cent out of pocket, and what your lawyer does earn will depend on how much they get for you.
This system provides clients with the peace of mind that their attorney will do everything within their power to secure them as much money as possible. Generally speaking, those who hire an attorney end up with far more money once the dust has settled than those that attempt to represent themselves.
What Types of Accidents Are Considered Personal Injury Cases?
Personal injury lawyers tend to represent clients who have been injured in a variety of manners. The Thumbs Up Guys have extensive experience handling cases relating to a variety of accidents. Our practice areas include:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Workers’ compensation
- Dog bites
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip-and-falls
- Wrongful death
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Catastrophic injury
- Nursing home abuse
- Defective drug
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Bus accidents
How Long do You Have to File a Lawsuit in South Carolina?
The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in South Carolina is generally three years. However, there are certain situations in which that time period can be far shorter. By hiring a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident, you can assure that you meet all deadlines and don’t miss out on your chance at recovering compensation.
Another reason to hire a lawyer quickly is that even when you have the full three years to file, delays can still be costly. Witness testimony grows less reliable with each passing day, and evidence that is not gathered immediately is likely to become lost or corrupted.
Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer in Georgetown
When hiring a personal injury attorney, it is important to find someone with experience handling cases like yours. You want a lawyer with a proven track record of winning large settlements for clients involved in accidents similar to yours. At Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward, we have extensive experience with all types of accident cases.
Give us a call or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation today. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and offer advice, with no obligation to retain our services. We are here to help accident victims retake control of their lives.