You can certainly make a personal injury lawsuit without a lawyer, and legally, you can represent yourself, though, it is unlikely to yield the easiest or most successful results. Self-representation often involves significant effort that a lawyer can alleviate.
Here we will provide an understanding of personal injury lawsuits, comparing the process of self-representation to the advantages of hiring an attorney.
Serious Injuries That Are Eligible for a Personal Injury Claim
In Nevada, serious injuries that are eligible for a personal injury claim typically include:
- Severe scarring or disfigurement
- Dismemberment
- Loss of a limb or other important bodily function
- Permanent disability
- Significant medical treatment and recovery
- Death (in wrongful death cases)
Even if your injury doesn’t fall into these categories, you may still qualify for compensation. However, you must prove your injury is serious, often requiring detailed medical documentation.
Compensation for Your Damages
Compensation is awarded to accident victims for injuries and financial losses. Without a lawyer, it’s up to you to persuade an insurance company or jury of your entitlement. Compensation typically falls into three categories:
Economic Damages
These cover direct financial losses such as:
- Medical expenses (including ongoing care)
- Lost income (if you missed work due to your injuries)
- Lost earning potential (if you can’t return to work or only in a reduced capacity)
- Property damage
- Other expenses (e.g., childcare or housekeeping)
Non-Economic Damages
These are more subjective and include:
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Loss of consortium (impact on relationships)
Punitive Damages
These are intended to punish the liable party for particularly egregious conduct and are not compensatory.
Understanding Contributory Negligence
When making a personal injury lawsuit without a lawyer, there’s a risk of being unfairly assigned more blame for the incident.
In Nevada, contributory negligence is a legal principle that impacts personal injury claims. Here’s an explanation of how it operates:
Contributory negligence means that if you, as the injured party, are found partially at fault for the accident or your injuries, your compensation may be reduced proportionally. Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule, specifically the “51% Rule.” This means:
- You can still recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the accident.
- If you are 50% or more at fault, you may be barred from recovering any damages.
For example, if you are found 30% at fault for a car accident, your compensation award would be reduced by 30%.
It’s important to note that Nevada’s contributory negligence laws can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation in a personal injury claim. Therefore, it’s advisable to consult with us at Howard Injury Law, a qualified personal injury team, to help you understand how contributory negligence may apply to your specific case.
Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
Our experienced personal injury team can handle the complexities of your case, allowing you to focus on recovery. We can:
- Collect comprehensive evidence, including medical records and police reports
- Determine and document the damages you’re entitled to
- File your lawsuit and handle all associated paperwork and communications
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Represent you in court if necessary
Costs of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win compensation. No win, no fee! This structure allows anyone to access experienced legal representation without upfront costs, paying hourly charges, retainers, or court filing expenses.
If the case does not result in a favorable outcome, clients do not owe any attorney fees. This arrangement is particularly advantageous for individuals seeking legal representation in personal injury cases as it eliminates the financial uncertainties associated with hiring a lawyer. Attorneys bear the risk by undertaking the case without payment unless they secure a positive result. Moreover, attorneys typically select cases they believe have a strong likelihood of success, ensuring clients have a reasonable chance of achieving their legal goals.
At Howard Injury Law, our fee structure is designed to be competitive within the industry, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation possible. Our services extend beyond Nevada to include California and Arizona as well.
Remember, we are on your team so you don’t have to file a personal injury lawsuit without a lawyer.
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Contact Howard Injury Law:
📲 702.331.5722
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