When to Seek Legal Counsel in Personal Injury Cases - Ask Paul Dansker

A common question regarding any accident or injury is when to seek legal counsel. That would mean hiring a personal injury lawyer, perhaps one specialized in your particular need (such as medical malpractice). It's easy to say you should always hire a lawyer, but the fact is you don't always have to hire one. On the other hand, in many lawsuits the lack of a lawyer leads to some major problems. Consult Paul Dansker a personal injury attorney in New York for more.

The Easy Out 
Well, "the easy out" may be misleading, but in many personal injury lawsuits there is an easy out. Sometimes you get an immediate offer from the defendant or insurer. You may decide to take it and forgo the legal battle.
But, you may be able to get more. When you get an offer, make no decisions without proper legal counsel. Yes, there are times you can get by without a lawyer, and maybe sometimes the settlement is good, but before you start signing things, at least consult with a lawyer.

When You May Not Need a Lawyer 
There are times where no legal counsel is needed, namely for minor accidents. If your car was rear ended while you were parked, for example, you would not need a lawyer nor a lawsuit. In small personal injury cases, where little to no harm to you has been done, it's not necessary to involve a lawyer.

When You Need Legal Counsel 
Most of the time, however, you do need legal counsel. If you get a settlement offer, how can you know if it's enough? You won't know if the offer is fair, or if you deny it how to win in court, and even how much you might get. You won't always get an offer, either; sometimes you have to win in court and you need a lawyer.

How much will it cost? 
Lawyers are not free. You do have to pay some money to get an experienced personal injury lawyer. If you get a settlement offer, they make take from 25% to 30% of the payment. If you go to trial, it may be more like 30% to 40% of the compensation. This may seem like a lot. But a cheaper lawyer or no lawyer can lead to no money. It's like going into court for a crime you did not commit; a lawyer can be invaluable in proving you deserve compensation. Unless you are a personal injury lawyer, consider hiring a professional.

How soon can you get your money? 
Unfortunately, getting defendants to open up their check books does take some time. In minor cases, you may get the money in a matter of days. In settlements, you may get the money in as little as a few months if not weeks. But if your case goes to trial, it can go from months to years. It depends on the state and how busy the courts are (the actual court process may delay a decision). The good news is most personal injury lawsuits are settled out of court. And if by chance it does go to court, your lawyer can earn his or her money by winning you a large amount.

Paul Dansker & Aspromonte Associates is a New York personal injury law firm specializing in serious brain injuries; medical malpractice, motor vehicle accidents, falls, construction accidents, municipal liability, injuries to children and more.
If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury in New York, our attorneys are here to stand up for your rights. We have the skill and experience to help you obtain maximum compensation for your medical bills, wage loss, pain and suffering, and other hardships.