Personal Injury Topics / Handling own case

There are those who believe that if they are injured in an accident, they could handle their own case to some sort of monetary resolution in order to avoid paying attorneys fees.   I do not recommend  this for many reasons.  First, most people do not know what the value of their injury is worth.  I have been involved in so many cases as well as keep current with settlement values and verdicts, I have a pretty good idea what a specific case is worth.  Secondly, those who elect to handle their own cases may fall victim to settling their case to soon at a value much less than it is worth.  For instance, a whiplash injury may at first not appear to be severe.  In fact, initial x-rays may have been negative giving a false belief that the injury is simply a sprain.  Should the individual settle their case too quickly at the insistence of a well seasoned insurance adjuster, that thought-to-be neck sprain could really turn out to be a disc herniation requiring surgery.   As such, a quick settlement at a fraction for what the injury was actually worth was obviously the wrong choice.  Thirdly, managing a claim and going through the insurance process is laborious and sometimes frustrating.  An insurance adjuster may drag their feet and request various medical records, statements, and past history making the process aggravating.  Hiring an attorney can take that aggravation away.   Lastly, my clients really do not know how to read medical records and reports.  Since I have vast experience in personal injury, I know virtually all the medical terms and am able to determine the full nature and extent of my client’s injury.  Once that is determined, I go over what I believe the settlement value of the particular case would warrant with my client.  If it is agreeable, then I go through the task of negotiating and in some cases arguing the value of the case with the adjuster. 

In summary, one can now see why it is worth hiring an attorney to handle your personal injury case.  I represent individuals throughout the State of California.  Feel free to visit my website by clicking here.