Do I Need A Rhode Island Personal Injury Attorney?
Life isn’t always safe. Accidents can happen on the job, on the road, in public places, and even at someone else’s house. While most are nothing serious, others result in more devastating consequences. Some people choose to litigate their own claims, but studies show that hiring a Rhode Island personal injury attorney is the most profitable way to settle a claim.
If you were injured due to the negligence of another person, you may be out of work and struggling to make ends meet. With medical bills piling up fast, it can feel like there’s nowhere to turn. If that wasn’t enough, the insurance company is dragging its feet and leaving you stuck with the bill. It may feel like you have nowhere to turn, however, don’t worry. You can receive the compensation you need by filing a civil suit with the help of an expert Providence personal injury lawyer. Read on to learn more about how a PI lawyer can help you win your personal injury case.
Why hire a personal injury lawyer?
While it is possible to represent yourself in civil court, your cases of seeing any results will be severely diminished by doing so. For instance, insurance companies have teams of expert lawyers on their side. They know every trick in the book, and they’ll do whatever they can to protect their own best interests. If you want to level the playing field and give yourself the best possible chance at compensation, you need an expert Rhode Island personal injury attorney at your side.
What kind of cases do Rhode Island personal injury lawyers handle?
A personal injury lawyer handles cases that involve physical, psychological, or emotional injuries. Common causes for personal injury cases include:
- Vehicle accidents
- Workplace injuries
- Construction accidents
- Product liability claims
- Premises liability claims
- Medical malpractice
- Dog bites
- And more
When searching for a Personal Injury lawyer, make sure that they have plenty of experience dealing with cases like yours. Some lawyers choose to specialize in certain types of cases, like car accidents or medical malpractice, while other lawyers will take on a variety of cases. Therefore, it’s important that your Personal Injury lawyer knows the laws relating to your circumstances inside and out, to give you the best possible chance of victory.
What does a Rhode Island personal injury lawyer do?
A personal injury attorney works to protect your best interests after your accident. Besides representing you in civil court, some of the crucial tasks that a personal injury attorney can perform include:
- Explaining your legal rights
- Building a strong civil case against the party that caused your injury
- Analyzing potential legal issues that could weaken your case
- Communicating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Gathering evidence or securing documents that strengthen your case
- Reviewing your medical and financial records related to your case
- Calculating the full cost of damages
- Contacting experts to provide testimony for your case
- Negotiating with the other party for a fair settlement
A Rhode Island personal injury lawyer can help with every aspect of your case. Thanks to years of training and legal experience, they know all the laws and procedures inside and out. They can provide insight and advice that a layman can’t, which puts you one step closer to a settlement
When to contact a personal injury lawyer: RI Statute of limitations
Time is of the essence in a personal injury case. Every state has its own statute of limitations for different kinds of civil suits. The clock begins ticking the moment the incident takes place.
For personal injury lawsuits, the RI statute of limitations is 3 years after the incident occurred. Trying to file a suit after the statute of limitations has passed will result in your case being dismissed immediately. The court wants physical evidence and witness testimony to remain as fresh as possible to create a fair ruling. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible after your injury to file your case before the statute of limitations expires.
What should I expect after hiring a Rhode Island personal injury lawyer?
After you’ve hired a personal injury lawyer, your attorney will begin moving towards a settlement using the methods listed above. Most cases never make it to trial. Out-of-court settlements are the most common way to end a case, as it saves both parties the time and hassle involved with escalating matters to the courtroom. If you and the other party can’t reach a settlement through out-of-court negotiations, then you’ll have to take matters before the Rhode Island civil court. This is where you’ll need a fearless lawyer who won’t back down in the face of opposition.
How are personal injury settlements paid out?
If your attorney manages to successfully reach a settlement, either in court or out of court, you can receive your payment in one of two methods: a single lump sum or a structured settlement. Structured settlements are the option that most people choose, although both options have their pros and cons. Contact us to help explain the differences between the different types of payments for personal injury settlements and help you negotiate for the payment structure that’s best for you.
Are Rhode Island personal injury settlements taxable?
Yes and no. In general, personal injury settlement payments are not considered taxable income because you’re only being reimbursed for damages. Therefore, the money you receive from a personal injury settlement isn’t considered a financial gain and subsequently isn’t subject to taxes. However, there are certain situations where you may be required to pay taxes on your personal injury settlement. Punitive damages are taxable. So are claims that involve emotional injuries only. Contact the best Providence Personal Injury lawyers or a tax professional can help explain the nuances of taxes and how they apply to your specific personal injury case.
Who are the best personal injury lawyers in Providence RI?
If you’ve been injured due to the negligence of another person, call Petrarca and Petrarca law. Firstly, as licensed personal injury lawyers in RI, Peter and Gina Petrarca can stand up for your rights both in and out of the courtroom thanks to their years of experience. Secondly, they can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and help you come to a settlement outside of court. And thirdly, if you need to escalate things to the courtroom, they’ll fight relentlessly for you and the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait to receive the help that you need. Call our office today for a free consultation. 401-273-1111