Many people believe a Personal Injury Lawyer in Silverdale will accept any case just to make money. There’s a misconception that these lawsuits are frivolous and that many people file claims to manipulate the system. However, most of those cases are thrown out before they reach the courts. Below are several reasons an injury lawyer may turn down a case.
Conflicts of Interest
Lawyers have rules for who they can (and can’t) represent. If a lawyer has a personal or professional relationship to the at-fault party, they cannot represent a victim, as it is a conflict of interest.
The Statute of Limitations
Every state has a time limit for filing a personal injury claim. If a victim attempts to pursue a case outside of this legally allowed time, the case will be barred, and a lawyer can do nothing to help.
Insufficient Insurance Coverage
If a defendant has little to no insurance, a Personal Injury Lawyer in Silverdale may be reluctant to accept the case. Without insurance, the defendant has to pay out-of-pocket for a victim’s injuries. For a wealthy defendant, it’s not an issue. However, if the at-fault party has no assets, it will be almost impossible to collect an award.
The Victim’s Contributory Negligence
In some areas, if a victim is just one percent responsible for his or her injuries, they cannot gain compensation. Therefore, if a victim’s actions contributed to the accident, a personal injury lawyer may turn down a case.
Insufficient Proof
In some cases, the wrongdoing is evident, but there’s no documentation of it. The strength of a case depends on what can be proven in court. Without this proof, a lawyer may have no option but to decline a case.
Injuries are Minor
A personal injury claim takes a significant amount of money and time to litigate. Most attorneys take cases on a contingency fee basis, which means they get paid only if they win. If the attorney doesn’t feel as if the victim’s damages are significant, they may turn a case down because the time and money spent will exceed the value of the recovery.
If a client feels as if one of the above examples may describe their situation, they shouldn’t let it keep them from seeking legal advice. Get more information online or call the office today to schedule a free, no-obligation interview with a personal injury attorney.
