We’ve all heard the sighs and witnessed the rolling eyes when someone says “personal injury attorney”. There are numerous stigmas surrounding this particular category of law and, while some of the stereotypes are true for individual attorney’s, many of them are myths. Not every personal injury attorney is an “ambulance chaser” and most of them are not out to monetize on your traumatic incident.
The reality is that, at some time or another, you or someone you know will need to utilize a personal injury attorney. There are three types of “injuries” that most often require the assistance of legal counsel.
- Slip and Fall or Dangerous Condition. The California Government Code, Section 830(a) defines a public “dangerous condition” as one of property that causes a substantial risk of bodily harm and injury, even when the property or that adjacent is utilized with due care, in the way it was intended to be used. According to this Government Code, the responsible public entity must correct or repair the “dangerous condition”, provide and offer safeguards against it, or warn potential users of its condition. This includes but is not limited to, property that is owned by a public entity or managed by a public entity. This definition is very similar for private business property owners.
Should injury befall you due to a dangerous condition, you will often be faced with going up against a large public entity that has legal counsel. To ensure you are given the appropriate settlement, your medical expenses are covered and you have positive representation, it is best to get in touch with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
- Car Accident. Personal injury attorneys do not simply assist people who were hit by a stranger or were injured in an accident caused by a stranger’s negligence. Sometimes, even a person’s closest friend or family is at fault in an accident, but they do not have insurance that will cover your medical expenses and recovery time. While it can sometimes be uncomfortable to sort out the financial logistics of an already painful and awkward situation, it can be better to bring in an outside party to represent you. In this instance, a personal injury attorney will be your advocate and ensure that you receive the compensation you need to recover.
- Wrongful Death. The death of a loved one is difficult under any circumstance, but especially when it was caused by the negligence or recklessness of another person or entity. While you are grieving, the last thing you want to do is deal with the legal process of seeking compensation for your loved one’s death. Having a personal injury attorney step in and advocate for your family will give you time to grieve. Even the best settlements cannot bring your loved one back, but it can offer support to your family in a time of crisis.
Personal injury attorneys may have a bad wrap, but there will come a day when you want a fearless fighter on your side, to help you face the difficult circumstances and and walk with you through a painful situation. That is what a great personal injury attorney is there for.
