What does a personal injury lawyer do?
A personal injury lawyer represents clients who have been injured due to someone else's negligence or wrongdoing. They handle cases involving car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, and product liability claims.
These attorneys investigate your case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and file lawsuits when necessary. They work to secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your injury.
When should I hire a personal injury lawyer?
You should contact a personal injury lawyer immediately if your injury is severe, involves significant medical expenses, or affects your ability to work. Don't wait for the other party's insurance company to contact you or if fault is disputed.
Hire a lawyer when:
- Your injuries require ongoing medical treatment
- The insurance company denies your claim or offers a low settlement
- Multiple parties may be at fault
- Your injury occurred at work or involves a government entity
- You're unsure about the value of your claim
How do I choose the best personal injury lawyer?
Start by researching lawyers who specialize in your type of injury case. Look for attorneys with proven track records, positive client reviews, and experience handling cases similar to yours.
Key factors to consider:
- Experience: Years practicing personal injury law and case outcomes
- Specialization: Focus on your specific type of injury case
- Resources: Ability to hire experts and handle complex litigation
- Communication: Responsiveness and clear explanations of your case
- Fee structure: Most work on contingency (no fee unless you win)
What should I expect during my first consultation?
Your initial consultation is typically free and lasts 30-60 minutes. The lawyer will review your case details, medical records, and any evidence you've gathered.
Come prepared with accident reports, medical documentation, insurance correspondence, and a list of questions. The attorney will explain your legal options, potential case value, and next steps. This meeting helps both parties determine if it's a good fit.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. They typically take 33-40% of your settlement or court award as their fee.
What you should know about fees:
- No fee if you don't win your case
- You may still be responsible for case expenses (filing fees, expert witnesses)
- Get fee agreements in writing before signing
- Ask about expense policies upfront
How long does a personal injury case take?
Simple cases with clear liability may settle within 3-6 months. Complex cases involving severe injuries, disputed fault, or multiple parties can take 1-3 years or longer.
The timeline depends on factors like the extent of your injuries, how long you need medical treatment, and whether the case goes to trial. Your lawyer should provide realistic expectations based on your specific circumstances.
What damages can I recover in a personal injury case?
You may recover both economic and non-economic damages depending on your case. Economic damages include measurable financial losses, while non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering.
Common damages include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium or companionship
How do I compare different personal injury lawyers?
Schedule consultations with 2-3 attorneys to compare their approaches, experience, and communication styles. Ask specific questions about their track record with cases like yours.
Questions to ask each lawyer:
- How many cases like mine have you handled?
- What was the average settlement or verdict amount?
- Who will actually work on my case day-to-day?
- How do you communicate case updates?
- What is your trial experience if the settlement fails?
What mistakes should I avoid when choosing a lawyer?
Don't hire the first lawyer you meet or choose based solely on advertisements. Avoid attorneys who guarantee specific outcomes or pressure you to sign immediately.
Red flags to watch for:
- Promises of guaranteed results
- Requests for upfront payments
- Poor communication or unreturned calls
- No specific experience with your type of case
- Unwillingness to provide client references
Should I hire a local Charleston personal injury lawyer?
Local attorneys understand South Carolina laws, local court procedures, and have relationships with area medical providers and experts. They're also more accessible for in-person meetings and court appearances.
Charleston lawyers know local traffic patterns, common accident locations, and area hospital systems. This local knowledge can be valuable when building your case and working with local insurance adjusters and opposing counsel.
