In Texas, it is not legally mandatory to hire an attorney to handle your personal injury claim. You can choose to file all the required paperwork yourself and represent yourself in court. However, your chances for getting a favorable outcome and receiving the compensation you deserve are naturally much greater if you work with a Houston injury attorney with a proven track record.
You may need to provide conclusive evidence to prove your case, sort through documents provided by the defendant, and bring in expert witnesses depending on the circumstances surrounding your injury. With that said, you will be required to follow procedure and complex rules of evidence to file motions, make objections, and present your case.
An experienced Houston injury attorney will be able to level the playing field by fighting for the compensation you deserve, taking your case to trial, navigating the pre-trial process, and negotiating settlements – all with a higher likelihood of success than if you do it on your own.
Plaintiffs Represented by a Houston Injury Attorney Tend to Receive Larger Settlements
According to the Insurance Research Council, the average plaintiff receives a 3 ½ times larger settlement with legal assistance than without it. This can make a huge difference in a personal injury settlement. The details of the law depending on your circumstances can become complex. Any time you sustain injuries and have to deal with an insurance company for your claim, you have the legal right to hire a Houston injury attorney to represent you if you wish to do so.
You are Entitled to “Pain and Suffering” Damages
If your case went to court, emotional distress and pain and suffering damages would be considered by a jury, and so a settlement that does not factor in these damages might not be complete. Your Houston injury attorney can explain all damages you may be entitled to – even if your injuries seem minor – and will fight on your behalf to ensure you get an acceptable settlement.
Your Injuries May Be More Serious Than You Initially Thought
People are sometimes averse to hire a Houston injury attorney for injuries that seem relatively minor. However, there are several reasons why you should talk to a lawyer, even for outwardly minor injuries.
If your injuries turn out to be more severe than you and your physician initially thought, but you have already accepted a settlement offer, you will have no legal options remaining. By “settling”, you give up any and all future claims that may manifest itself out of the accident.
A seasoned attorney will advise you to wait until you know the complete extent of your injuries, and would guide you in determining the right time to accept the settlement offer.
Contingency Fee Agreements Make Hiring A Lawyer Affordable
Almost all Houston injury attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means that your attorney or the legal firm will not be paid any legal fees or money unless they either settle outside of court or win your case in court.
If Someone Else’s Negligence Harmed You, Contact Kirk Law Firm Today
Despite the difficulties that personal injury claims in Texas pose, your rightful compensation and legal rights matter. The experienced legal team at Kirk Law Firm under the leadership of Dana G. Kirk has the dedication, knowledge, and skills to build a solid case for you and get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact us online to request a free and confidential case evaluation.