Category: Personal Injury

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed after a serious injury. The recovery, medical bills, and time off work can be challenging enough even before you consider dealing with the insurance company. Gathering evidence proving the other party’s liability and your damages, particularly future damages and non-financial losses, can be daunting. 

That’s where a personal injury lawyer comes in. A good lawyer does more than just file paperwork. They protect your rights, guide you through the process, and help you fight for the money you need to recover. Here are five key ways a lawyer can help with your injury claim.

1. They Handle the Legal Work So You Can Focus On Healing

Your top priority should be getting better, not navigating the claims process or arguing with an insurance company denying or undervaluing your claim. A personal injury lawyer advocates for you and handles the details, including: 

• File all necessary paperwork
• Investigating what happened and who is to blame
• Gathering evidence and documentation of your damages
• Building a case to prove liability
• Handling all communications and negotiating for you
• Giving you legal advice and guidance so you can make informed decisions

If you aren’t being treated fairly, your lawyer will prepare your case for court to pursue fair compensation. 

This gives you the time and space you need to rest and recover without the added stress of a legal battle.

2. They Know How To Prove Fault and Build a Strong Case

To win your claim, you’ll need to prove that someone else caused your injury. That can be harder than it sounds. Insurance companies will look for any reason to deny your claim or pay you less than you deserve.

A personal injury lawyer knows what kind of evidence to gather and how to use it to build a strong case. They may interview witnesses and gather accident reports, medical records, and other documents. Depending on the complexity of your case, they may work with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and other experts to prove how your accident happened and the severity of your injuries. 

If your case does go to court, your attorney will know what evidence is admissible and the rules of evidence to ensure a judge or jury hears crucial information. 

Having solid proof can make all the difference when it’s time to negotiate a settlement or go to court. 

3. They Fight for Fair Compensation

Most injury claims are settled outside of court, but that doesn’t mean you’ll get a fair deal without help. Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to save money, not to help you.

A lawyer levels the playing field. They know the tricks insurance companies use and how to push back. A lawyer will be familiar with how insurers calculate claims values using software like Colossus, for instance, and how to challenge their arguments for a low offer. 

Your attorney will negotiate for a settlement that covers all of your losses, including future medical care, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering. These damages can be difficult to calculate, and insurance companies usually make lowball offers, especially to injury victims without legal representation. 

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount, your lawyer can take your case to court and fight for a jury verdict.

4. They Can Help You Avoid Costly Mistakes

There are a lot of ways to accidentally hurt your own case, like saying the wrong thing to an insurance adjuster or missing a deadline. Once you make a mistake, it’s hard to fix it.

A lawyer helps you avoid these pitfalls. They’ll give you clear advice about:

• What to say (and what not to say) to insurance companies
• Why it’s important to avoid talking about your case or posting on social media
• Whether to accept a settlement offer
• When to get medical treatment
• How to document your injury and recovery

Having someone in your corner who knows the system can protect you from costly errors and improve your chances of getting full compensation.

5. They Work On a Contingency Fee With No Upfront Costs

Worried about the cost of hiring a lawyer? Most personal injury lawyers accept cases based on a contingency fee agreement. This type of arrangement gives you access to legal representation with no upfront retainers or costs. Your lawyer only gets paid if they win your case.

Typically, their fee is a percentage of the settlement or court award. This setup makes legal help available to anyone, no matter their financial situation. It also means your lawyer has a strong incentive to work hard and get the best possible result for you.

Getting injured is stressful enough. You shouldn’t have to take on a legal battle alone. Whether you have been hurt in a car accident, a slip and fall, or another serious accident, having a lawyer on your side can make all the difference in getting the compensation you need. 

Arizona is an at-will state for employment. Generally, an employer can fire a worker for any reason, including causing an accident on the job. However, the termination must comply with the law and cannot be retaliatory or otherwise unlawful. The termination cannot be discriminatory, such as firing an employee for the sole reason that they are disabled.

Being Fired for Discrimination After a Workplace Accident

Your employer may have the right to fire you if a workplace accident results in a disability that prevents you from performing your job duties. However, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for an employee with a disability. Therefore, if your employer fires you when you can perform your job duties or fails to make reasonable accommodations, it could be a wrongful termination lawsuit.

Retaliatory Termination After Filing for Workers’ Compensation

Even though an Arizona employer can fire an at-will employee without providing a reason, it could be a wrongful termination if it is in retaliation for applying for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation insurance is a no-fault system. Even if an employee causes an accident at work, they can receive workers’ compensation benefits if they qualify for workers’ comp.

What Is Wrongful Termination in Arizona?

Arizona Revised Code §23-1501 defines wrongful termination as firing an employee in:

• Violation of an employment contract
• Retaliation against an employee for exercising their civil rights
• Violation of a state statute, federal law, the Arizona Constitution, or the Civil Rights Act

Employers will claim they had a valid reason to fire an employee or were within their rights under at-will employment laws to terminate an employee. They will not admit they terminated the employee for reasons that would violate the employee’s rights or the law. Therefore, the employee needs evidence proving the termination violated the law.

What Can an Employee Do if They Are Fired After Causing an Accident on the Job in Phoenix, AZ?

If you are fired after causing an accident at work, talk with an employment lawyer. An attorney can review the circumstances surrounding your termination to determine if your employer violated one or more laws. Because there are deadlines for filing claims against employees, it is wise to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

For example, you only have 180 days to file a claim for wrongful termination with the Arizona Civil Rights Division. The deadline for filing a Claim with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is 300 days. State law sets a one-year deadline for filing a breach of contract lawsuit for wrongful termination.

Gather as much evidence as possible to provide to the attorney. Evidence includes, but is not limited to, performance reviews, letters of termination, employment records, names of witnesses, emails, memos, and other documents related to your job or termination. The more information you can provide to an attorney, the better for your case.

What Damages Could I Receive for a Wrongful Termination After a Workplace Accident?

A wrongful termination claim could entitle you to damages for the losses and harm caused by being wrongfully fired from your job. The types of damages you could receive include:

• Loss of employment benefits
• Medical expenses, if applicable
• Back pay and lost wages
• Counseling costs
• Diminished earning capacity and loss of future career opportunities
• Emotional distress and trauma
• Attorney’s fees and court costs, if allowed by statute
• Expenses associated with searching for a new job
• Pain and suffering

The damages received for wrongful termination depend on the factors of your case, including the reason for the wrongful termination claim. Some laws specify the types of damages you can receive for a wrongful termination claim.

Steps to Take After a Workplace Accident in Arizona

You should report the accident to your employer and seek medical treatment for your injuries as soon as possible. You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, including medical treatment and loss of income benefits. Keep detailed records of all communication with your employer regarding your accident and injuries.

If you believe your employer violated your rights by terminating you after an accident at work, talk with an employment lawyer. An attorney can evaluate your case and advise you of your legal options for pursuing a claim for wrongful termination. 

One minute you’re going about your day—driving to work, shopping, or walking through your neighborhood. The next, you’re seriously injured due to someone else’s negligence. Suddenly, you’re dealing with medical bills, insurance companies, and pain that disrupts your life.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but you don’t have to face this difficult time alone. Personal injury attorneys can help you recover physical, emotional, and financial damages. Here are the key benefits of having a lawyer on your side after getting hurt in an accident.

1. You’ll Have Someone Who Puts You First

After an injury, insurance companies may contact you quickly, sounding friendly and supportive. But it’s important to remember—they work for the insurer, not for you. Their priority is minimizing payouts, not helping you recover.

An experienced personal injury attorney works only for you. They’ll handle communications with the insurance company, so you don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing or accepting an unfair settlement. Their job is to protect your best interests from day one.

2. You’ll Understand the True Value of Your Personal Injury Case

Most people don’t realize how much their personal injury claim is truly worth. An attorney will evaluate your damages—not just medical bills and lost wages, but also:

• Future medical treatments
• Loss of earning capacity
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional and psychological distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage, if applicable
• Other out-of-pocket expenses

Your attorney will help quantify how the injury has impacted your daily life—something that’s often difficult to measure but crucial to your case.

3. Your Personal Injury Lawyer Knows How to Prove Liability

To receive compensation, you must prove that someone else was at fault. This isn’t always straightforward—especially if the other party denies responsibility or the insurance company tries to shift blame onto you.

Personal injury lawyers know how to gather the evidence needed to build a strong case. This may include:

• Incident or police reports
• Surveillance or witness footage
• Medical records and expert opinions
• Witness testimony
• Safety or maintenance records (in premises liability cases)
• Employer logs or inspection reports (in workplace injuries)

In complex cases, your attorney might also bring in expert witnesses—such as accident reconstructionists, doctors, or economists—to prove the cause and extent of your injuries.

4. You Don’t Have to Worry About Paperwork and Deadlines

From filing insurance claims to submitting legal documents, personal injury cases involve a lot of paperwork—and strict deadlines. A missed filing can weaken or even ruin your case.

Your attorney will ensure every form, report, and motion is completed correctly and on time. That way, you can focus on healing while they handle the legal details.

5. You’ll Have a Skilled Negotiator on Your Side

Insurance companies are more likely to offer fair settlements when you have legal representation. Why? Because they know a seasoned attorney won’t fall for lowball offers and is prepared to go to court if necessary.

Your lawyer will negotiate with insurers from a position of strength—backed by solid evidence, experience, and a clear understanding of what you’re owed.

6. If a Personal Injury Lawsuit Becomes Necessary, You’ll Be Ready

Most personal injury claims settle before trial. But if a fair agreement can’t be reached, your lawyer will be ready to take the case to court—and fight for you in front of a judge and jury. They’ll guide you through the litigation process and represent you every step of the way.

7. You Pay Nothing Unless You Win

Worried about the cost of hiring a lawyer? Don’t be. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. They only get paid if they win your case. This allows you to access high-quality legal representation without added financial stress.

A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Make All the Difference

After a serious injury, your focus should be on healing—not dealing with legal red tape or fighting with insurance companies. A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the process, maximize your compensation, and give you the peace of mind you deserve.