When an individual or entity has taken actions that cause harm to the body, the emotions, or the mental well-being of another person, there are often grounds to pursue a personal injury suit. The thing to remember is that the course of events must fall into the boundaries of what current laws interpret as personal injury. The circumstances must also indicate that the harm was indeed caused by a specific party. To determine if a lawsuit is in order, it pays to consult with a personal injury lawyer in Rockland County, NY.
Going Over the Events
To determine if there are grounds for legal action, the personal injury lawyer in Rockland County, NY needs to understand how the events occurred from top to bottom, going over every detail. The goal is to determine if the events clearly show that the harm took place due to the negligence or intentional actions of another party. Being able to establish this fact will go a long way when deciding what to do next.
Evaluating the Client’s Current Situation
After establishing the order of events, the next step is identifying the impact of those events on the general well-being of the client. Did the events seriously impair the client’s ability to earn a living? Perhaps some sort of long-term or permanent disability resulted from those actions. Even if the result was emotional damage that will require years of therapy, it is important to bring that fact to the court’s attention.
Seeking a Settlement
In many instances, the lawyer will attempt to negotiate a settlement with the responsible party. Based on the evidence, settling may be in that party’s best interests. Doing so will significantly reduce legal costs and make it possible to move on from the unfortunate event. If the party does not want to settle, then the lawyer can file a lawsuit and the matter will go before a judge.
For people who have been injured but do not know how they can pay for legal assistance, remember that many lawyers offer free consultations. If there is a case, the lawyer may even defer fees upfront in exchange for receiving compensation once the case is settled or won. Remember that seeking legal help may be the best way to secure the funds needed to deal with the after effects of the injury.