Frivolous Lawsuits are the Exception Rather than the Rule

Many people view personal injury claims very negatively, believing that people who file such lawsuits are nothing more than frivolous money-grubbers. The belief that people will claim compensation regardless of the ethical or moral implications of the case is one of the primary myths surrounding personal injury cases. In fact most personal injury cases are filed by those who have suffered legitimate accidents and injuries and frivolous lawsuits are actually few and far between. The cases which are frivolous tend to get so much attention from the media that it can seem like most personal injury cases are without merit. The insurance lobby has perpetrated the idea that personal injury attorneys are getting rich on the average citizen’s dime. They make people think that personal injury lawsuits are costing the public thousands each year in insurance premium and the necessary taxes which support the judicial system.

Personal injury cases which are without merit will simply be dismissed by the judge and personal injury attorneys who file frivolous claims can be severely sanctioned by the court system. Most law firms that have successful businesses are far removed from the stereotype of an ambulance chaser. If you have been injured in an accident through the negligence or recklessness of another person, it is important that you have a personal injury attorney by your side who will act with integrity and will have the necessary experience to fight for what you deserve. That being said, not every personal injury victim will receive compensation for their claim. Some cases are simply too weak or inconclusive to merit a settlement.

Not Every Person Who Files a Personal Injury Claim Receives a Settlement

A second common myth regarding personal injury cases is that only those who take their case to court will receive compensation. In fact, most personal injury cases will never go to trial and will be settled outside of a courtroom. It is simply more time and cost-effective when cases are settled outside of a judge and jury. While some victims of injuries believe they can go it alone and not have to “share” their settlement with an attorney, this is one of the worst decisions a person injured in an accident can make. It is rare that the person who chooses to represent himself will receive the deserved amount of compensation. Personal injury attorneys are trained to represent injury cases in court before a judge and jury as well as to negotiate a reasonable settlement.

How Long Will it Take to Reach a Settlement?

Another common myth is that personal injury cases are so complex and time consuming that it can be years before a settlement is finally reached. In reality most personal injury cases will settle within eight to twelve months of the initial accident claim. While more complex cases which involve extremely serious or multiple injuries can take a bit longer to settle as can those in which liability is uncertain, the trial is usually the most time consuming part of the personal injury case.  If you have been injured by the negligence of another, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can advocate on your behalf to get the best settlement possible.