When you have suffered an injury through no fault of your own, you may think that you have to be the one to pay for your own medical expenses or find a way to rebuild your future. In reality, you have rights under the law that entitle you to take action in court if needed.
Rather than go through the legal process alone, however, you might prefer the expertise and confidence found in retaining professional counsel. By hiring a mediator, law firm, or personal injury lawyer Fairmont WV claimants like you could get the outcome you want in court so you can start to rebuild your future.
Proving Liability
One of the first hurdles you and your lawyer may come up against in court involves proving the liability of the responsible party. The person or property owner responsible for your injury may himself or herself have an attorney representing that side of the case. This individual may use a variety of means to exonerate himself or herself and say that you were responsible for causing your own injury.
Your lawyer, however, can gather evidence and subpoena eyewitnesses who can testify about whose fault it really was that you got hurt. The evidence presented in court could bolster your claim and prove to the judge or jury that you are entitled to compensation for the injury and suffering you are enduring at the moment.
Settling Out of Court
The responsible party may also simply prefer to settle out of court to avoid a lengthy and expensive legal battle. This person might offer you a settlement that may seem generous at first glance. In reality, it may fall short on what you are entitled to or what you will need to take care of yourself in the future.
Your lawyer can negotiate a better settlement on your behalf and make sure your present and future needs are addressed in the offer. Once the settlement is agreed upon, your lawyer can also make sure it is legally binding and cannot be altered on the whims of the responsible party later.