A personal injury attorney is a legal professional who specializes in representing individuals who have suffered injuries as the result of another party’s negligent or reckless actions. Whether it is a car accident, medical malpractice, or some other occurrence that results in traumatic injuries and financial damages, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Negligence is the cornerstone of any personal injury claim. To prove negligence, the injured party (or their loved ones in wrongful death cases) must show that the defendant failed to act as a reasonably prudent person would have under the circumstances and that this failure caused foreseeable harm. It is the duty of a personal injury attorney to evaluate all the relevant evidence, apply state-specific laws, and come up with a valid legal theory that can be used to establish liability.
Once the legal theory is established, a thorough liability analysis is performed. This can be a lengthy process, particularly if the case involves complex issues or rare circumstances. For example, in a medical malpractice claim it may be possible to hold not only the physician who provided substandard care but also the clinic that employs them, under a legal doctrine known as vicarious liability.
After evaluating all of the relevant information, an experienced personal injury attorney will be able to identify all parties that may be liable for your damages. They will negotiate with the responsible parties and, if necessary, file a lawsuit on your behalf.