You’re in pain because of a car crash, accident at work, or maybe even medical malpractice, but you’re just not sure if you should file a Louisiana personal injury lawsuit to receive compensation. To make the most informed decision possible, it’s important to separate the fact from the fiction when it comes to filing a personal injury claim. These common myths may prevent you from seeking the compensation you are legally entitled to if you’ve been injured because of someone else’s neglect. Listed below are the Top 5 myths associated with personal injury lawsuits.
Myth #1 - The Insurance Company Will Treat You Fairly
The primary goal of insurance companies is to make money. They do this by minimizing the amount of money they must pay in claim compensation to victims and policyholders. Fairness is not a factor in their decision-making processes. The insurance company will look for any reason to give you the least amount of money possible for your claim, which is why having legal representation can greatly increase the chance of a fair settlement. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and various other factors from one or more sources. A Louisiana personal injury lawyer will help make sure that you receive the money that you are due.Myth #2 - You Must Appear In Court to Receive Compensation
Personal injury lawsuits seldom see the inside of a courtroom. Insurance companies often prefer to settle these cases out of court. That’s because insurance companies like to avoid:- increased legal costs
- the allocation of additional manpower resources toward a single claim
- possible negative media publicity generated by a trial
- the risk of a monumental judgment issued by a jury
- a legal verdict which could alter the way they conduct business
Myth #3 - It Takes Forever To Get Compensated in a Personal Injury Case
In fact, most personal injury claims are settled within 1 year’s time. Only cases which involve complex liability or extremely serious injuries tend to take longer. But a competent Louisiana personal injury attorney knows how to speed up the process and ensure that you receive compensation as quickly as possible.Myth #4 - Personal Injury Compensation is “Easy Money”
You will not receive a lottery jackpot-like windfall for most personal injury claims. But you will be compensated for costs that you incurred or will incur as a result of your injuries. These costs may include:- emergency room visits
- ambulance charges
- hospitalization costs
- follow-up medical appointments and long-term treatment (if needed)
- lost wages from work missed
- physical therapy sessions
- damages related to pain and suffering or mental anguish