Can I pursue a personal injury claim on my own without an attorney, and if not, how do I choose one in Massachusetts to handle my case?
You have the right to pursue your claim yourself, including filing your own lawsuit (known as pro se). However, there are complex, confusing, and highly technical aspects to bringing a claim in a personal injury case. These include—
- Determining if you still have time to bring a case (statute of limitations)
- Evaluating whether there would be liability, such as whether the other party was negligent
- Figuring out what would be an appropriate amount of compensation
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Selecting the right venue
- Creating legal documents and filing them properly
- Carrying out all the steps of the case within the appropriate time periods
- Proving negligence
- Proving the extent of injuries and economic losses
Given the above, a Massachusetts personal injury lawyer is necessary to maximize both your chance of winning and your recover in your personal injury claim. There is generally no charge for an initial consultation. Additionally, if an attorney agrees to handle your case, they will often work on a “contingency fee basis.” This means that the lawyer only gets paid for if you win your case and obtain compensation: the lawyer’s compensation will usually be a fraction or percent of what you receive.
For more articles on personal injuries in Massachusetts, click on the following articles:
What are Personal Injury Cases in Massachusetts?
What Constitutes Negligence In The State Of Massachusetts?
How much is my personal injury case in Massachusetts worth?
How Are Personal Injury Damages Calculated In The State Of Massachusetts?
Can I File A Personal Injury Lawsuit At Any Time In The State Of Massachusetts?