In the US, millions of victims suffer personal injuries every year caused by slip-and-fall accidents, road accidents, medical malpractice, etc. Although hiring a personal injury attorney can strongly boost your chances of winning and getting maximum compensation, numerous people tend to deal with their cases by themselves. As of 2022, the total market size of the personal injury lawyers sector in the US was $57.7 billion, and there were nearly 440,000 law firms.
The Insurance Research Council reveals that people who hire a personal injury attorney get about 3.5 times more compensation compared to those who do not have a professional lawyer. So, it is best to get help from an expert personal injury lawyer who can handle your case professionally, submit relevant evidence, and help you get maximum compensation.
The Top 5 Disadvantages of Not Hiring Personal Injury Lawyers
Personal injury cases can negatively affect the physical, emotional, and financial well-being of the victims. Hiring a professional personal injury claim lawyer in your area is highly beneficial, as they can use their expertise and resources to handle your case.
There are several disadvantages to not hiring a professional lawyer for your personal injury cases, which are listed below.
Not Understanding the Legal Procedure
The legal procedure for handling personal injury cases is quite complex, and it differs from one state to another. It can be relatively challenging for individuals to represent their own cases if they are unfamiliar with the legal processes. Personal injury lawyers have years of experience dealing with personal injury cases, and they can handle your case smoothly.
You Might Miss the Legal Deadlines
Due to a lack of knowledge about legal proceedings, many people who handle their own personal injury cases are likely to miss their deadlines. When you miss the trial deadlines, your case might be removed or a verdict might be given in favor of the at-fault party. In addition to that, handling your personal injury case is relatively time-consuming.
You Are Likely to Receive Lesser Compensation
Personal injury cases without a lawyer often receive less compensation than they truly deserve. Also, if you are not familiar with the compensation law and lack negotiation skills, the at-fault party will try to pay you as little as possible. To maximize payout, attorneys can negotiate with insurance companies and ensure you get what is truly owed to you.
The Chances of Winning are Low
The American Bar Association states that people who represent their personal injury cases may probably lose their case or obtain petty compensation. A study shows that about 60% of pro se litigants, or those who handle their cases alone, end up losing. In contrast, 26% of personal injury cases managed by professional personal injury lawyers, such as those from Killian, Davis, Richter, & Fredenburg, PC (or similar law firms), are successful.
You Are Likely to Feel Stressed
When you have no legal support from a personal injury lawyer, you must handle everything in your case. From filing the case, gathering evidence, negotiating a settlement, getting medical care, and dealing with finances, you will likely feel physically and emotionally stressed. The assistance of an experienced solicitor like PR Scully Solicitors may make the entire process easier to deal with.
Bottom Line
Not hiring a personal injury lawyer for your case can significantly impact your chances of winning and how much compensation you receive. Since there is so much at stake, it is highly recommended to hire personal injury lawyers. They are experienced in handling legal processes and can help you understand the law, make sure you receive proper medical care, and negotiate for maximum compensation.