Most people assume they only need an attorney if they get into a massive highway pile-up. That is a costly misconception.
The truth is, danger can happen anywhere. You just need to keep this in mind: if you are hurt because someone else was careless, you shouldn’t be the one paying for it. But how do you know if your specific situation qualifies for legal help?
In this blog, we will explain the most common cases a skilled Injury Lawyer in Providence handles every day and when it’s time to reach out for legal support.
Common Cases of an Injury Lawyer in Providence
Have a look at the types of injuries lawyers handle:
- Car Accident Injury Cases
Rhode Island is a fault state, but it follows a specific rule called Pure Comparative Negligence. You can recover compensation even if you were partially or even mostly at fault. For example, if a jury decides you were 90% to blame for a crash and the other driver was 10% to blame, you can still sue them for that 10%.
But insurance adjusters often try to pin 100% of the fault on you to avoid paying anything. An attorney can save you from it through police reports, traffic cam footage, and witness statements that prove the other driver’s share of liability.
- Slip and Fall Injuries (Premises Liability)
Slip and fall accidents happen more often than people realize. Some of the most common ones are:
- Wet floors with no warning signs
- Broken stairs or loose railings
- Poor lighting in hallways
- Icy walkways are not treated in time
- Uneven flooring or torn carpets
These cases fall under something called premises liability, which means property owners have a legal duty to keep their spaces reasonably safe. But the challenge is proving that the owner knew or should have known about the danger and failed to fix it.
An experienced Injury Lawyer in Providence gathers maintenance records, security footage, and inspection history to build that proof.
- Workplace Injury Claims
Most people know that if you get hurt at work, Workers’ Compensation will pay for your medical bills. But there are times when you might be able to file a personal injury claim, especially when:
- A third party caused the injury
- Safety protocols were ignored
- There was broken equipment involved
A skilled Rhode Island Workplace Injury Attorneys lawyer can check whether you can pursue additional compensation beyond workers’ comp, which can significantly increase your claims.
- Medical Malpractice Cases
Medical malpractice cases are complex and emotionally draining. These are situations when a healthcare provider’s mistake causes serious harm.
In such cases, you must have a qualified medical expert willing to testify that the doctor did something a competent professional would not have done. An injury lawyer can arrange for such an expert.
- Dog Bite and Animal Attack Cases
Rhode Island has one of the most unique dog bite laws in the country. The location where the attack happens is very important.
- Outside the Enclosure: If a dog bites you outside the owner’s fenced property (e.g., on the sidewalk or in a park), the owner is Strictly Liable.
- Inside the Enclosure: If you are on the owner’s property, the “One-Bite Rule” applies. You must prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous (i.e., it had bitten someone before).
When Should You Contact an Injury Lawyer in Providence?
The short answer: earlier than you think.
You should consider contacting a lawyer if:
- Your injuries required medical treatment
- You missed work due to the injury
- Insurance adjusters are pressuring you
- You were offered a quick settlement
- Your injury is getting worse over time
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?
Most of them charge a fee only if they win. The lawyer gets a percentage of the final settlement, which is usually 33.3%.
- What is the deadline to file a lawsuit in Rhode Island?
The Statute of Limitations says that you usually have three years from the date of the injury. If you miss this, your case is dismissed forever.
- Will my case go to court?
No, according to the numbers. More than 90% of personal injury cases are settled without going to court. An injury lawyer in Providence gets your case ready for trial so that the insurance company will settle fairly before it gets that far.
Conclusion
The law protects victims, but only if you know how to use it. Call a professional injury lawyer in Providence now to get a solid plan for your financial recovery.