Personal Injury Lawsuits - Common Misconceptions
Personal injury lawsuits are complicated procedures, about which many people hold several misconceptions. In all likelihood, many rumors and horror stories you’ve heard regarding personal injury cases are urban myths, outright falsehoods, or convoluted misinterpretations of actual events. Unfortunately, such myths often affect the choices a client makes when handling a claim.
- Myth 1: All plaintiffs are guaranteed compensation: All personal injury cases are different, and are judged on their unique characteristics. Retaining counsel in no way guarantees that a plaintiff will receive damages.
- Myth 2: Personal injury cases mean lengthy court procedures: Personal injury lawsuits often settle out of court without any litigation or court appearances whatsoever.
- Myth 3: A plaintiff must settle before they can receive treatment: Plaintiffs are legally entitled to timely and appropriate treatment, and need not wait for a settlement before receiving such treatment. (Be sure to retain all bills and medical records.)
- Myth 4: A personal injury case can be settled without an attorney: While it is true that, legally, a plaintiff need not retain counsel to file a lawsuit, it is always advisable to be represented by an attorney. A qualified personal injury attorney can advise clients regarding expected compensation and navigate their cases through complicated proceedings in a timely fashion.

