Suffering a serious injury can be an incredibly difficult experience to cope with, especially as many victims are left confused about what to do in the aftermath. From how you can pay for your medical expenses to what options are available to you legally to the exact specifics of the legal process following an injury, dealing with the confusion and uncertainty after an accident can add even more frustration to an already overwhelming situation. At the KT Law Firm, we understand how hard it can be to deal with these issues and to get answers to questions on your own. In an effort to help injury victims in need of information and help, we have put together the following collection of frequently asked questions.
If your question isn’t currently available here, or if you would like to speak directly with a member of our legal staff, please contact a lawyer at the KT Law Firm by calling 1-614-798-8000.
How can an attorney help me?
If you have been the victim of a serious injury, you may need substantial compensation to help pay for medical bills, lost income, and other expenses that you may be dealing with in addition to the psychological and emotional trauma you may have experienced. However, getting compensation for these issues on your own can be extremely difficult. With an attorney’s past experience and knowledge of the law, he or she can better navigate the legal process and help you pursue the compensation you need.
Do I need physical evidence of a car accident to win?
Not always. Many people worry that they have to have pictures of an accident to prove that an accident occurred, but this is not always true. You will likely need to show other types of proof that the accident occurred and the other party is at fault, such as a receipt for maintenance or repairs, hospital bills, witness testimony, or police reports. However, having physical evidence of an accident, such as pictures, can help your claim immensely in many cases. Discuss your situation and any evidence you have or may need today with an attorney from the KT Law Firm.
If I was partially at fault for the accident in which my injury occurred, can I still pursue compensation?
Individuals who are partially to blame for their own injuries may still be able to receive compensation for their losses. However, depending on the extent to which they were responsible for causing their own injuries, they may forfeit their right to legal action. An experienced attorney can help you to better understand whether you may still be able to pursue compensation for your injury.
What if I am injured on property owned by another person?
Property owners, both individual and business owners, are responsible for keeping their premises safe for others who are on the property. Many time the owners let the property fall into disrepair or simply fail to maintain it in a safe manner. These owners are responsible if their negligence caused you injury. If you have been injured because of the negligence of a property owner, then you could be entitled to receive compensation from the party at fault. To learn more about holding the person responsible accountable for their negligence, speak with a lawyer from the KT Law Firm.
What causes Traumatic Brain Injuries?
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) are caused by the sudden and violent contact of an individual’s head with an object. As such, brain injuries can result in serious neurological damage that may become manifest in a number of symptoms. Unfortunately, brain injuries can affect the rest of an individual’s life. These injuries are most commonly associated with serious car accidents but may result from any serious head trauma. Since TBIs will likely make such a serious impact upon the lives of those who experience them, an expert legal representation may be critical to securing financial restitution from any responsible party. To learn more about damages related to TBI, speak with a lawyer from the KT Law Firm.
If an insurance company fails to honor my valid insurance claim, what can I do?
When insurance companies are unreasonably slow when paying out valid insurance claims, or when they attempt to deny valid claims altogether, it may become necessary to retain legal representation to ensure that they honor their financial obligations to policyholders. Our legal team at the KT Law Firm understands the techniques that some insurance companies attempt to employ in order to free themselves from their obligations, which is why we fight to protect the rights of policyholders.
How much compensation can I expect?
The amount of compensation that a person receives upon winning a personal injury case varies. Compensation is determined based on the losses and expenses a victim has suffered, such as how much their medical bills were, will there be future expenses, has their quality of living decreased, did they lose wages due to missing work and more. As such, it’s impossible to know how much compensation you will receive. To learn more about holding the person responsible accountable for their negligence, speak with a lawyer from the KT Law Firm.
How long will my claim take?
The length of time that it takes for an individual claim to reach completion varies from claim to claim. For instance, a case in which a defendant argues against the claims, stating he or she is not responsible, will likely take much longer than when a defendant is willing to settle. Additionally, the need to investigate the claim, look for witnesses, and other legal processes will vary in length from case to case. The best way to get an estimate of how long your case could take is to speak with a lawyer from the KT Law Firm.
Will I have to testify in court?
Some people who are filing personal injury claims will have to provide testimony in court, but you might not have to; it just depends on the nature of your case, the claim that you’re making against the defendant, and other particulars of the case. If you are asked to give personal testimony, your attorney can certainly walk you through what this process will be like, and prepare you for the experience. To get a better understanding of whether you will be expected to testify and what else might be expected of you in your case, speak with a lawyer from the KT Law Firm.
Does my botched surgery qualify me for a claim?
When surgery does not go as planned, the results can be devastating. Depending on your particular circumstances, you might be entitled to financial compensation if you have sustained injuries from a surgical procedure. If a surgeon or attendant made an error, injured you, or put you in danger in any way, then they could be held responsible for medical malpractice. The medical practitioners in question could be ordered to compensate you for any personal injury, future damages, expenses, and, emotional distress you have experienced because of surgical complications. To learn more about holding the person responsible accountable for their negligence, speak with a lawyer from the KT Law Firm.
What if I had a dangerous drug reaction?
Pharmaceutical products can cause patients to encounter dangerous reactions. Any potential dangers should be made absolutely clear to a consumer, through labeling and through an initial medical professional or pharmacist consultation. If you have been injured because of a pharmaceutical error, then you could be entitled to receive compensation from the party at fault. To learn more about holding the person responsible accountable for their negligence, speak with a lawyer from the KT Law Firm.
Was a hospital negligent in my case?
Hospital negligence is a very serious threat to patients across the country. This type of negligence can take numerous forms but commonly occurs when a practitioner, a medical doctor, registered nurse, or other caretakers, disregards the needs or safety of a patient. Additional forms of hospital negligence can include, poor hiring decisions, misfiling of patient paperwork, misdiagnosis, among many others. If you think that you have been the victim of hospital negligence, speak with a lawyer from the KT Law Firm.
What is informed consent?
Informed consent is a legal term that is particular in medical malpractice cases. When a doctor proposes a course of treatment to a patient, whether it is simply a prescription medication or a surgical procedure, they must obtain the patient’s informed consent to undergo the proposed course. In order for consent to be fully informed, patients must be made aware of any potential dangers to their health that they may face as a result of their treatment. Otherwise, doctors could be liable for any injuries or harm that occurs as a result.
If fire safety was disregarded and I was injured, do I have a claim?
Probably. Premises liability includes cases of fires on public and/or private properties that were caused by a property owner or manager regarding basic fire safety regulations. Thus, if a property owner failed to make the property safe in the event of a fire, and you were injured as a result, then you are likely eligible to file a claim. The best way to determine whether you are eligible to pursue a lawsuit for your injuries or losses, however, is to speak with a lawyer from the KT Law Firm.
How do I know when I should file a product liability claim?
If a product is dangerous in any way and caused you injury or illness as a result, then you could be due financial compensation. Product liability claims, meaning that a manufacturer, distributor, or designer can be held liable for the injuries a product occurs, are complex and need expert representation. As such, whenever you have suffered harm as a result of a product, you should explore your options for filing a product liability lawsuit. To learn more about holding the person responsible accountable for their negligence, speak with a lawyer from the KT Law Firm.
What questions should I ask a potential attorney in our first meeting?
There are many questions that you could ask an attorney upon first meeting him or her, but the sheer number of possibilities can be overwhelming. Some questions that you may want to consider asking at the beginning in order to get a better feel for an attorney, though, include:
- Have you had success with cases like mine in the past? How many?
- What are your fees? Do they change if we don’t win?
- How can I reach you during the case itself?
- What do you expect of clients during the case?
These questions can give you a good sense of an attorney’s ability to meet your needs, and will naturally lead to other, more specific, questions regarding the claim that you’re making.
If my child was injured at school, what can I do?
Because we count on the responsibility and dutifulness of school teachers and administrators to ensure our children’s safety, it’s fully understandable that you’re upset and want compensation if your child suffers an injury at school. You may be able to file a personal injury claim against the school, a particular teacher, or even a supervisor if that person was negligent in watching your child or allowed unsafe activities to occur, resulting in your child’s injury. To learn more about holding the person responsible accountable for their negligence, speak with a lawyer from the KT Law Firm.
Should I just pay for the costs of my injuries myself if I’m able to?
Though it may seem easier to simply pay for your injury costs if you have the financial security to do so, you shouldn’t have to if another person was responsible for causing your injury or illness. If another person has been the cause of a serious or even minor injury and you’ve incurred financial costs because of it, then that person should be held accountable for his or her actions. The costs of a personal injury can be enormous, not to mention the long-term harm they can cause. To learn more about holding the person responsible accountable for their negligence, speak with a lawyer from the KT Law Firm.
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
While both the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs provide financial support for individuals suffering from disabilities, the eligibility requirements for these programs vary considerably. SSDI eligibility is generally dependent on the disabled individual’s prior work experience, with certain exceptions, while SSI eligibility is typically tied to an individual’s financial status, as it is intended to provide support for low-income individuals and families who also have disabilities. To learn more, speak with a lawyer from the KT Law Firm.
If I was bitten by a dog, am I entitled to pursue compensation from its owner?
It is often possible for those who have been the victims of a dog bite or other animal attack to seek compensation for the injuries and losses they have suffered. An experienced attorney can help you more fully understand whether or not you may have a claim under the law. To learn more about holding the person responsible accountable for their negligence, speak with a lawyer from the KT Law Firm.