Calgary SW Personal Injury Lawyer
Have you been injured in an accident? The personal injury lawyers at Merchant Law can help. If you’ve been hurt because someone else was negligent, whether in a car accident, a slip and fall, or some other, similar case, then you deserve compensation for your injuries.
Insurance companies typically don’t offer a sufficient sum to cover claims unless lawyers force them to enter a real settlement conference. They may offer you some money, but you should not take it. It typically will not be enough to cover your medical bills, let alone other expenses associated with the accident.
Is it worth getting a personal injury lawyer?
The numbers say you’ll come out ahead and walk away with more money if you do.
According to a study by Nolo.com, only 51% of people who tried to handle their personal injury cases without the help of a lawyer got paid at all. 91% of the people who went with a lawyer received funds.
In addition, the amount of money the average personal injury payout was worth nearly tripled. Without a lawyer the average was $17.6K. With a lawyer the number shot up to $77.6K.
While you know the lawyer takes a percentage of funds upon winning your case you’ll still walk away with more money. Consider this. The average fee is between 33% and 45%. If your lawyer took 40% of $77,600 you’d be left with $46,560…still more than double what you’d get on your own.
Since you don’t have to come up with a retainer or any kind of legal fees, going to a lawyer isn’t just worth it. It’s entirely risk-free. You just need to make sure you’re comfortable with the lawyer you choose, and that they have the experience to get the job done right.
What can I expect from a personal injury claim?
First, there will be a period of discovery. During this time the lawyers will be gathering the facts of the case and getting witnesses on the record in a process called “examination for discovery.”
During this time you should not be surprised to find the defendant’s insurance company trying to pin as much blame for the accident onto your shoulders as possible. Alberta is a comparative negligence province. This means your award will be reduced by whatever percentage of negligence is assigned to you.
So if you’re found to be 30% at fault and get an $100,000 award, you’ll only walk away with $70,000.
Eventually, the lawyers will enter a settlement negotiation. 92% of personal injury cases end with them coming to an agreement and the defendant writing a check. The others have to go to a civil trial, where a jury will decide whether to award money and how much to award.
How do you win a personal injury settlement?
First, be careful what you say. Avoid saying anything that makes it sound like you’re taking responsibility for the accident. Second, be careful who you talk to. Speaking to insurance companies on your own, for example, can be disastrous as they’re quite adept at leading you to say things that won’t help your case.
The absolute best way is to get a lawyer as quickly as possible. An lawyer can act as a buffer between you and other parties, and can ensure you don’t make any mistakes. Your lawyer can even file your claim for you, ensuring you don’t have to speak directly to the insurance company at all.
Why Merchant Law?
We’re some of the most experienced personal injury lawyers in Alberta. Our team has handled hundreds of cases just like yours. We’re responsive, caring, and committed to winning a fair settlement.
Call (403) 237-7777 to schedule a free consultation. Our phones are manned 24/7, which means you can get help any time, day or night.