Dothan Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have grounds for a personal injury claim?
If you were injured in an accident that was caused by another person’s negligence, you should have grounds to file a claim for personal injury. The same principle applies in cases of wrongful death. The law in our state provides this protection for accident victims, that you should not be forced to pay the price for another person’s careless or reckless actions.
How do you prove that the other person is at fault?
When we represent an accident victim, we conduct an investigation to find any and all evidence which supports the claim that the other party is responsible for the accident. For example, if the police accident report mentions that the other driver was texting on a cell phone at the time of your car crash, he or she can be held accountable for negligence. Another common example is a slip and fall accident which could have been prevented by cleaning a spill on the floor or installing better lighting on a stairway. By gathering evidence that your accident could have been prevented, we may be able to help you win a settlement or jury verdict.
How much is my case worth?
There is no way to predict with accuracy how much you could receive in your accident claim-every case is unique. There are, however, certain guidelines which can be used to estimate how much you have a right to claim. Your settlement can include full compensation for all your medical expenses and for your lost income and reduced future earning power, as well as damages for the pain, suffering and mental anguish you have been forced to experience. Our firm enjoys the distinction of winning one of the largest verdicts in the history of Alabama, a $21 million verdict for our client. We cannot guarantee results in any case, but when you meet with us for a free consultation we can help you determine how much your case may be worth.
What if my accident happened at work?
Nearly anyone who is injured on the job in our state is eligible to file a claim for workers’ compensation. This no-fault system provides coverage for all your reasonable medical expenses, as well as payment to offset your lost wages. It generally pays at the rate of two-thirds of the beneficiary’s normal wages. An attorney can work to maximize the value of your benefits and fight to prevent a wrongful denial of your claim.
Am I entitled to Social Security Disability benefits?
Social Security Disability provides benefits for individuals with injuries or illnesses which make it impossible for them to work for at least a year or which are expected to be fatal. Provided that you have worked for a long enough period at a job where your wages were subject to the Social Security payroll tax, you may be eligible for disability benefits. Approximately two-thirds of claims are initially denied, and it can take months or years to successfully navigate the appeals process.
What can I do to maximize the value of my claim?
Keep detailed records of any type of expense you have incurred as a result of your accident, including medical bills, mileage to and from the doctor and time missed at work. You should additionally take notes or even keep a journal to document the effect your injury has had on you, with the goal of providing ample evidence of your symptoms and how they have affected your ability to go about your normal routine and enjoy your life. You should also avoid speaking with anyone from the insurance company.
Their goal is to minimize or deny your claim, and you could be led into making statements that would make it difficult or impossible to recover the amount you deserve.
Contact a Dothan injury lawyer at Morris, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC as early as possible after the accident for experienced guidance and aggressive representation. We know how the system works and are ready to fight for you!
