What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
Being injured by someone else’s negligence can be difficult. Not only do you need to heal physically and emotionally, you might also be crippled by financial damages like medical bills and lost wages. Getting compensation for your injuries can help you become whole again after a tragic incident.
But winning a personal injury lawsuit isn’t easy, and going about it yourself could mean losing your case or getting much less than you asked for. That is why you need a personal injury lawyer on your side. They will negotiate on your behalf and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Step 1: Personal Injury Consultation
At your initial consultation, your lawyer will listen carefully to your story. They’ll ask you questions to determine if your case is likely to win a personal injury lawsuit, and if so, what your compensation for damages should look like.
Not every case will qualify for litigation or negotiation. For instance, incidents that happened a while back may be past the statute of limitations in Arizona. Or if it is found that another party is entirely at fault, your case may not be viable in court.
Step 2: Collecting Evidence and Preparing a Case
If your case qualifies for litigation, your lawyer will help you compile and organize the evidence they’ll need to prepare a strong case.
Evidence can include things like:
- Photos from the scene of the incident, the damage incurred, or the injuries sustained
- Documents that support your claim, like police reports, pay stubs, and medical records
- Finding and interviewing witnesses to the incident, or requesting statements from an expert (the kind of expert may vary depending on the situation)
- Compiling records of all the expenses associated with the incident, like medical bills, lost wages, property damage estimates, installing a ramp for a wheelchair, etc.
Step 3: Negotiation and Litigation
Your lawyer will explain your rights and handle all of the communications related to your case. They will do all the work of contacting insurance companies, property owners, and other people associated with the case. They will ensure your rights are respected and you are being offered what you are owed.
Most personal injury cases do not even go to court. Usually, a lawyer is able to negotiate a fair settlement. But if your case does end up in litigation, your lawyer will do all the heavy lifting. They will file all the paperwork, present all the evidence, and argue your case before the judge.
Need a Personal Injury Lawyer in Scottsdale, Arizona?
If you are seeking damages for an injury that happened because of someone else’s negligence, we can help. Here at Van Norman Law, we have the experience it takes to make sure you get fair compensation.
Don’t try to go up against big insurance companies or property management firms, or corporations on your own! Contact us today to request a consultation.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (5/5/26). Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash