A personal injury claim is when someone comes forward after they have been injured by another person’s negligence, recklessness, outrageous behavior, or through an intentional act, or if their surviving family members bring a suit on behalf of the person killed in the accident. That is a very broad definition, but breaking it down can help people understand why the law can be highly specialized, why there are limitations on what you can claim and how long, and what to expect in court.
Documentation for a Personal Injury Claim
In the court of law, you will always need to provide evidence. There are generally two things that need to be proven in a personal injury case: that the defendant was liable for the damages, and what the damages are. These damages can stem from negligence, recklessness, or an intent to harm. If you have been injured in an accident collision then some of the documents your attorney will need include:
- A police report: If you were taken away by an ambulance then you may not have received a copy of the police report at the scene of the crash. If so, then you or a family can contact the local police department’s records office to obtain that report. If you were conscious at the accident, then do not leave until you get your copy. You want to be sure nothing was amended by the other drivers or witnesses.
- Medical documentation: Everything from hospital bills to health reports related to your case, including surgeries and examinations, must be provided to show that the incident was the cause of your injuries and that you are working on healing.
Types of Personal Injury Lawyers
The branch of personal injury covers medical malpractice, accident collisions, slip and falls, dog bites or other animal attacks, to name a few. Within those categories, accident collisions for example, there can be specializations. Such examples include drunk driving, truck accidents, school bus accidents, and pedestrian or cyclist accidents. This is why it is important to pick an attorney who practices in your specific area. If you lost a family member who was working as a crew member on a ship, and you want to file a wrongful death claim, then you need an attorney who is familiar with maritime law. Attorneys choose the areas that interest them to for their professional focus, so you will be able to find someone who can look into your specific case and give you the proper legal counsel you need.
Some attorneys work in large firms and take on several clients. These clients can feel like numbers rather than human beings, may have to wait for messages to be returned, and their case may be handled mostly by legal aides. However, personal injury attorneys in smaller firms follow a different philosophy where they take the time to listen to your fears and qualms about going to court.
There are federal and state laws that affect your case. Some major government agencies also can adapt or change provisions that can also affect the outcome of your case. Some of these include the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT), and the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA). If you’ve been in a car, truck, motorcycle, or another type of accident collision in Houston, then Personal Injury Lawyer Jerome O. Fjeld is ready to listen to your case.
