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5 Common Misconceptions About Personal Injury Law

When it comes to personal injury lawyers and personal injury law, there are a number of common misconceptions, myths that are passed around under the guise of fact. If you or a loved one has experienced personal injury as the result of another party’s negligent behavior, read on as we debunk five of the most common misconceptions about personal injury lawyers and personal injury law.

1. A Plaintiff Always Receives Compensation

A plaintiff may have a case that they feel is airtight, open and shut, and easy to prove. However, a jury of impartial peers may not view the case in the same manner. A jury might not be convinced and your care could also be thrown out over technicalities. The statute of limitations on the case could expire or the evidence may have been tampered with before trial. That’s why a plaintiff should be well aware of the fact that there are no guarantees.

2. Personal Injury Lawsuits Are Always Drawn Out

Some potential plaintiffs may not even bother to file a lawsuit, because they have been warned by others about how long it will take for them to see any sort of compensation. However, a top notch personal injury lawyer is able to significantly expedite the process and make sure that their client receives a swift and decisive resolution to their case.

3. Suits Can Be Filed At Any Time

Don’t let those daytime television commercials trick you into heading down the wrong path. If you have been injured as the result of someone else’s negligent behavior, you will need to file your suit in a timely fashion or risk shouldering the entire financial burden of your injuries on your own. Research the statute of limitations on your case in your region before proceeding with a potentially frivolous suit.

4. A Personal Injury Lawyer Does Not Care About Ethics

While movies and television shows tend to show personal injury lawyers in an unflattering light, portraying them as money grubbing ambulance chasers, the actual reality is far different. The vast majority of personal injury lawyers genuinely care about the health and well-being of their clients and will often take on cases through a contingency arrangement, which means that they are not paid unless the client receives a settlement.

5. Personal Injury Lawsuits Are Get Rich Quick Schemes

A legitimate personal injury lawsuit is filed by someone who has experienced injuries that keep them from resuming their normal daily routine. The suits are filed because the plaintiff requires financial assistance with their medical treatment and must replace their lost income, not because they are looking for a quick and simple paycheck. In many instances, plaintiffs also have a family to support, which is their main reason for filing suit.