Rhode Island laws surrounding personal injury cases govern how individuals can seek compensation for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. These can be complex and confusing for the average person. While you are not legally required to have an attorney to pursue a personal injury claim in Rhode Island, it is highly recommended. This is because an experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your interests in court if necessary.
What else can a Rhode Island personal injury lawyer do for you? Quite a lot!
Calculate Damages: Your attorney will help you determine the full extent of your damages, which may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses. They will ensure that you seek fair compensation for your injuries.
Fight for the Most Compensation: Rhode Island does not have statutory caps on damages in personal injury cases. This means that there is no legal limit on the amount of compensation you can seek for economic and non-economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. This also means how much money you eventually make from your personal injury lawsuit depends heavily on the skill of the personal injury lawyer you hire to represent you.
Argue Against Your Liability: Rhode Island follows the doctrine of “pure several liability.” This means that each defendant in a personal injury case is responsible only for their share of the damages, not the entire amount. If a defendant is found partially at fault, they are only liable for their proportionate share of the damages. Your personal injury attorney will fight that you either had no liability or as little as possible.
Negotiate with the Insurance Company: Your lawyer’s primary goal is to help you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries. Your attorney can negotiate with the other person or driver’s insurance company on your behalf to establish liability and seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
Obtain Expert Opinions: In some cases, you may need expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists, to provide professional opinions on the cause of the accident and who was at fault.
Represent You in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your attorney will file a lawsuit and represent you in court. They will prepare and present your case, question witnesses, and argue on your behalf to seek the compensation you deserve.
Provide Peace of Mind: Dealing with a personal injury can be physically, emotionally, and financially taxing. Having an experienced attorney by your side can provide peace of mind, knowing that someone is advocating for your best interests and handling the legal aspects of your case.
Above all else, remember that bringing on the services of a skilled Rhode Island personal injury lawyer can significantly increase your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries and losses after a personal injury incident or accident. Connect with 1-8000-Injured, a medical and legal referral network, to find one.