With legal fees and other costs, using a lawyer can get expensive. However, personal injury attorneys have experience building strong cases and negotiating fair settlements. This article will examine the value Oregon injury lawyers can provide after an accident.
The Prevalence of Personal Injury Lawsuits
Personal injury lawsuits are common in the United States. In 2022, their total value reached $53.1 billion. The most frequent claims stem from motor vehicle accidents, which make up 40% of personal injury cases. With so many accidents and injuries occurring, it’s no surprise that many turn to personal injury attorneys for help recovering damages.
Likelihood of Settling vs. Going to Trial
Very few personal injury cases actually go to trial. Only about 4% of plaintiffs take their lawsuits all the way to trial. This holds true for cases filed in both state and federal courts. Between 2019 and 2023, less than 1% of personal injury suits filed in federal court went before a jury. The vast majority, around 96%, settle before trial. This demonstrates the power of pre-trial negotiation, an area where lawyers excel.
Average Settlement Amount
In 2021, the average settlement for a bodily injury claim was $22,734. Property damage claims averaged smaller settlements of $5,314. Keep in mind, serious injuries often result in much higher rewards. But even smaller settlements can make a difference in covering medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related costs. An experienced lawyer can push for the maximum settlement or court award based on the specifics of your case.
Average Attorney Hourly Rates
It’s natural to balk at attorney hourly rates, which can run hundreds of dollars per hour. According to the 2022 Clio Legal Trends Report, lawyers across the United States charge an average of $313 per hour. However, personal injury lawyers typically only get paid if they win your case. Their fee is a percentage of the final settlement or award, usually around 33%. This structure means you don’t pay anything upfront or out-of-pocket.
The Value a Personal Injury Lawyer Provides
The skilled Portland personal injury lawyers at Tillmann Law, an injury law firm in Oregon, emphasize that hiring an attorney goes beyond negotiating a settlement. A strong legal advocate balances the scales by handling communications, paperwork, and deadlines, allowing you to focus on your recovery. With strategic litigation and negotiation techniques, they work to maximize your compensation. Additionally, an experienced attorney offers an objective viewpoint. After an accident, emotions can cloud judgment, leading to hasty decisions or unrealistic expectations. A lawyer provides the logic and strategy to pursue the best possible outcome.
Factors to Consider
Before deciding to hire a personal injury attorney, think about:
- The severity of your injuries and estimated value of your case
- Your comfort with negotiating a settlement yourself
- How much free time and energy you have to devote to your claim
- Whether the defendant has legal representation
- The reputation and experience of the lawyer you’re considering
Weighing the pros and cons will help determine if hiring a personal injury lawyer is your best move after an accident.
For serious injuries and complex cases, legal expertise is often well worth the investment.
