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Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

By September 13, 2017October 28th, 2024No Comments
nevada statute of limitations personal injury

If you have been injured in an accident caused by another’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and other damages you have suffered.

However, many personal injury claims will require the involvement of an insurance company, which will fight to avoid paying you the amount of compensation that you deserve. For this reason, hiring a qualified personal injury attorney may help protect you from outside influences that attempt to reduce your claim’s value or have it denied altogether.

Still, many people are unfamiliar with personal injury claims and often have several questions that need to be answered before hiring an attorney. Our attorneys have compiled a list of some of the common questions about hiring a personal injury lawyer. If you have any additional questions, do not hesitate to contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

Why Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Filing a personal injury lawsuit can be complicated for someone who does not possess a strong knowledge of the claims process or Nevada’s legal system.

However, a seasoned attorney will have intricate knowledge of Nevada’s civil claims procedures as well as the tactics used by insurers. Your attorney will use his or her experience to help protect your claim by:

  • Gathering evidence that supports your claim, such as medical documents detailing your injury and employment records showing the income you lost during your recovery.
  • Investigating the accident to identify the at-fault party who is liable for your injury.
  • Handling communications with insurance agents and attorneys to ensure your claim is treated fairly and accurately represented.
  • Calculating an accurate estimate of your claim’s value to prevent an insurer from making a low offer.
  • Negotiating with insurance companies and attorneys to reach a fair settlement offer that provides fair compensation for your injury.

The time after suffering a serious injury should be focused on your recovery instead of worrying about outside interference. At Henness & Haight, our personal injury attorneys will use our knowledge and experience to help ensure your claim is handled efficiently.

When Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

It is always in your best interest to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Unfortunately, many personal injury victims are desperate to accept a quick offer made by an insurer without fully knowing the true value of their claim.

Promptly consulting with a personal injury attorney will provide you with a greater understanding of the damages you suffered and what compensation you may be entitled to.

Additionally, there are several situations where having a skilled attorney on your side will provide you with a significant advantage:

  • Your injury was caused by the negligence of one or more parties.
  • You suffered a serious injury that is expected to affect your life for several months or years after the accident.
  • An insurance company is asking you questions about the accident, your injury, or personal information that you are uncomfortable answering.
  • An insurance company is asking you to make a recorded statement or to sign a release form about your injuries.
  • You have been offered an unreasonably low settlement from an insurer that does not adequately compensate your losses.
  • Your claim has been denied by an insurance company.

If you are considering filing a personal injury claim, you will need to act quickly to meet Nevada’s two-year statute of limitations, as set by Nev. Rev. § 11.190(4)(e). Our attorneys will work to help ensure your claim is properly filed to meet this deadline and any others that may apply.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

One of the most important things you should consider when hiring an attorney is how much he or she charges to represent your claim.

At Henness & Haight, our personal injury attorneys work on the belief that each client deserves justice and compensation after suffering an injury caused by another’s negligence.

For this reason, we only work on a contingency fee basis. This means that all of our legal fees are waived and our services are provided at no upfront cost. We only collect a minority percentage of the damages you are awarded if we successfully represent your claim.

How Long will it Take to Resolve My Claim?

There is no specific amount of time it takes to resolve a personal injury claim and several factors may affect its pace.

Insurance companies, for instance, are not always willing to immediately cooperate with claimants or their attorneys to reach a fair settlement. Negotiations with an insurer may take several months, or possibly years if the case goes to trial.

Our attorneys will work through the claims process as fast as possible to recover a fair amount of compensation for your injuries and losses. However, we are also dedicated to helping ensure your claim is handled properly to represent your best interests.

What is My Claim Worth?

Determining the value of a personal injury claim can be difficult. There may be several elements that you need to take into account to understand the true amount of loss you suffered after your accident.

A personal injury lawyer can help you determine how much your claim is worth by assessing your damages to reach an accurate estimated value or range to settle the claim.

The value of a claim is determined by calculating measurable damages, such as:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Property damage

There may also be additional damages you can pursue by filing a personal injury lawsuit. These are non-economic damages that do not have a specific value, such as:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of consortium

In rare instances, punitive damages may be imposed on the defendant. However, these damages are not meant as compensation for your injury or loss, but are intended to punish the at-fault party for particularly bad behavior.

Punitive damages in Nevada are limited to a figure three times the amount of compensatory damages if the award is $100,000 or more. If you are awarded less than $100,000, you can receive a maximum of $300,000 in punitive damages, according to NRS § 42.005 1(a)(b).

Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Personal Injury Lawyers

At Henness & Haight, our Las Vegas personal injury attorneys are ready to represent your claim to help you recover fair compensation for your injury.

We can discuss your claim during a free, no-obligation consultation. During our initial meeting, we will review the details of your claim and determine if you have legal options available to pursue damages from the at-fault party. All of our services are provided on a contingency fee basis, so you only have to pay us if we recover compensation for your claim.