Personal Injury FAQ

At Tisdal & O'Hara, PLLC, we take pride in answering all of your questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about personal injury claims:

Should I Accept A Settlement From The Insurance Company?

Do not accept a settlement offer unless you are absolutely certain that it is fair and will cover all of the costs associated with your injury. Be aware that insurance companies often underpay claims. That is a big part of how they make money. While the insurance adjuster may seem friendly, you should not take his or her word that a settlement is fair. Instead, have the offer reviewed by someone who is on your side, such as an attorney.

How Much Compensation Should I Get?

This question cannot be answered without a thorough examination of your case. However, you should get compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and more. Keep in mind that compensation should not just cover the expenses you have already accumulated, but any future expenses as well. For example, if you are going to need continuing physical therapy or pain management, that should be covered by the compensation you receive.

Should I File A Personal Injury Claim Or A Workers' Compensation Claim?

Work accident victims often assume that a workers' compensation claim is their only option. However, if the work accident was caused by the negligence of a third party, a party other than your employer, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. This is common in oil field accident cases, construction accident cases and more. The benefit of filing a personal injury claim is that it allows you to obtain more compensation than workers' comp.

How Long Will It Take To Resolve My Case?

You may be feeling stressed because of bills that are piling up. You may want to get this matter over as quickly as possible. The insurance adjuster may try to take advantage of that and offer a quick settlement. However, getting fair compensation often takes time. You need to make certain that your doctors understand the full extent of your injuries so that the compensation you get does not fall short. The exact duration depends on the situation.

Will My Case Go To Trial?

In reality, very few personal injury claims actually go to trial. Most are resolved through negotiation and settlement. However, you want to make certain that the attorney you choose is prepared for trial and has a record of success arguing cases in front of a judge and jury. Insurance companies may walk all over someone who is not prepared to fight. An attorney needs to be ready to push back if the insurance company does not do what is right.

Do I Need An Attorney?

People who handle personal injury cases on their own are at risk of being taken advantage of by the insurance company. The insurance company may deny compensation, underpay the claim or delay the matter for a substantial period of time. An attorney has the legal strength to push back against the insurance company on your behalf.

You do not need to pay anything upfront when you enlist a lawyer from our law firm. We start with a free consultation and handle personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis.