In this short series of articles, we’ll be exploring common FAQs received by our personal injury attorneys. The top questions asked of our personal injury attorneys include common questions like “How much is my case worth“, but also questions requiring more complex answers, such as “Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?“.
It should be stated here that the information provided on our website, including this and any blog posts or articles, is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be offered as legal advice – it should never be considered a substitute for seeking appropriate legal counsel from an experienced and licensed North Carolina attorney.
[Our answers here are short and in summary form. Where we have more detailed responses in other articles, links to those articles are provided.]
Frequently Asked Questions And Answers Relating To Personal Injury Claims and Cases
1 – What is the value of my personal injury claim?
Determining the value of your personal injury claim is a complex process that requires a thorough investigation of the specific circumstances surrounding your 
case. There are many factors that can affect the value of your claim, such as the severity of your injuries, the degree of liability of the other party, and the amount of available insurance coverage.
In most instances, it takes time to collect all of the necessary evidence relating to a case, so offering an estimate on the potential value of a claim at the early consultation stage is usually impractical and unwise. For example, during an initial client consultation/case review, it’s unlikely that the attorney will know the amount of insurance coverage on any policy or policies connected with the claim. Also, it is important to understand that the final value of your claim may depend on a number of factors that are outside of your attorney’s control. At Kellum Law Firm, we will do everything we can to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation that you are entitled to, but it’s important to manage your expectations and be patient throughout the process.
If you have any other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask. We’re here to help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.
[Link to additional content – What is the value of my personal injury claim?]
2 – How long will it take to settle my personal injury case?
The timeline for settling a personal injury case can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the complexity of the case, the severity of your injuries, 
and the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement.
In some cases, a personal injury case can be resolved fairly quickly through a settlement negotiation with the insurance company, while in other cases it may take several months or even years to reach a resolution. If it is necessary to take your case to court to receive a fair settlement, then this can add some time to the process as your attorney will have little control over scheduling.
We understand that this can be a frustrating process, but at Kellum Law Firm we will work diligently to ensure that your case is resolved as quickly and efficiently as possible while still ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
[Link to additional content – How long will it take to settle my personal injury case?]
3 – Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?
Whether or not you should accept an insurance company’s settlement offer depends on a number of factors, such as the amount of the offer, the extent of 
your injuries, and the likelihood of achieving a more favorable outcome through continued negotiation or even litigation.
It’s important to remember that insurance companies are businesses and their primary goal is to pay out as little as possible in claims. While an initial settlement offer may seem attractive, it’s important to carefully consider whether it adequately compensates you for the full extent of your injuries and losses. Clearly, if you’ve been involved in a serious accident then there may be a variety of financial pressures on you, and these pressures could tempt you into accepting a quick and low settlement. You may be absent from work, have received claims for reimbursement of medical costs, or have other costs associated directly with the accident and your injuries. It’s important to talk with an attorney before agreeing to an early settlement from an insurance company as if you accept their offer, you will likely be closing the door to any future claim for ongoing medical expenses or loss of earnings.
We always recommend that our clients consult with us before accepting any settlement offer from an insurance company. We can help you evaluate the offer, assess whether it is fair and reasonable, and provide you with guidance on whether it is in your best interest to accept the offer or continue negotiating for a more favorable settlement.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask.
[Link to additional content – Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?]
4 – How much will it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
At our law firm, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means that we only get paid if we recover compensation on your behalf. 
If we are successful in recovering compensation for your personal injury claim, our fee will be a percentage of the total amount recovered. This percentage can vary depending on the specifics of your case and the amount of work required to achieve a successful outcome, and this will be explained to you in detail before you retain our services.
We understand that the cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer can be a concern for many clients, which is why we offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case and discuss your options. During this consultation, we can provide you with a better idea of the potential costs involved in pursuing your claim, as well as the likelihood of success.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask. We are here to help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation that you are entitled to.
[Link to additional content – cost to hire a personal injury lawyer]
5 – What types of damages can I recover in a personal injury case?
In a personal injury case, you may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages, and in some specific cases, punitive damages.
Economic damages are damages that can be easily quantified and are directly related to your financial losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. These damages are typically easy to prove and can be calculated based on actual expenses and lost earnings.
Non-economic damages are damages that are more difficult to quantify and are related to the emotional and physical impact of your injuries, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages are more subjective and can vary depending on the specifics of your case.
In some cases, you may also be able to recover punitive damages, which are damages that are intended to punish the defendant for particularly egregious conduct.
It’s important to note that the specific types of damages that you may be able to recover in your case will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of your case. We can help you evaluate the potential damages in your case and work to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation that you are entitled to. In many instances, we are able to give you an assessment of what types of damages you might be able to claim during your initial case review. At this point in the process you haven’t committed to retaining our services so there’s no cost to you and no obligation. We recommend that you contact us to schedule a case review as soon as possible following an accident or injury.
[Link to additional content – What types of damages can I recover in a personal injury case?]
6 – Can I sue for pain and suffering?
In many personal injury cases, you may be able to sue for pain and suffering, which is a type of non-economic damages that compensates you for the 
physical and emotional pain and suffering you have experienced as a result of your injuries.
Pain and suffering can encompass a wide range of physical and emotional experiences, including but not limited to chronic pain, discomfort, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages are intended to provide compensation for the ways in which your injuries have impacted your life beyond just the direct financial costs.
However, it is important to note that the availability and amount of pain and suffering damages can vary depending on the specific facts and circumstances of your case, as well as the laws in your state. At Kellum Law Firm, our Personal Injury Attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and options and work to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation that you are entitled to.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask. We are here to help you navigate the legal process and advocate for your best interests.
[Link to additional content – How courts define pain and suffering?]
[Link to additional content – Pain and suffering – How to arrive at a fair amount]
7 – What should I do if I’m injured in a car accident?
If you are injured in a car accident, there are several steps you should take to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Seek medical attention: Your health and safety should be your top priority. If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel like your injuries are severe.
- Contact the police: Call the police to report the accident and provide them with the necessary information, such as your location and the nature of your injuries.
- Document the accident: Collect as much information about the accident as possible, including the names and contact information of any witnesses, the names and insurance information of the other drivers involved, and photos of the accident scene and any damages to your vehicle.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer: An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, understand your legal rights, and work to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation that you are entitled to.
For a more detailed look at what to do if you’re injured in a car accident, including tips on what to do at the scene, we recommend the following article –
What To Do If I’m Involved In A Car Accident
Have you been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, navigating the legal system can be complex and intimidating, especially when you’re dealing with insurance companies and other parties who don’t have your best interests in mind.
That’s where the experienced personal injury attorneys at Kellum Law Firm can help. With over 40 years of serving clients around North Carolina, we have the experience, expertise, and resources to help you build a strong case and pursue the maximum compensation available to you. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a serious injury can take on you and your loved ones, and we are dedicated to fighting for your rights and holding the responsible parties accountable. With a proven track record of success, our team has helped countless clients recover millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts.
At Kellum Law Firm, we pride ourselves on providing compassionate, personalized service to each and every client. We know that every case is unique, and we will take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and keep you informed every step of the way. We will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and interests, and we won’t settle for anything less than the best possible outcome.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, don’t wait another day to get the legal help you need. Contact us now for a free case evaluation and let us start working for you today.
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