A reasonable person might look at hiring a personal injury lawyer as an escalation of a case. While that certainly is possible in instances where, for example, an insurance company has rejected a claim, it's not always a sign that you're in for a fight. There are several reasons why someone may hire a personal injury attorney besides moving forward with a lawsuit. Here are some of those reasons as well as what might lead you to sue.

Organization

Even if a claim is straightforward in terms of fault, organizing can be a challenge. A claimant usually has to send a demand package to the defendant or their insurance provider. This is a collection of documents explaining why you believe you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. It might include medical and police reports, photos of the scene on an incident, digital video files showing what happened, and even support case law entries noting why you have the right to sue.

That's a lot to throw together. Worse, if a claimant messes it up, they could get less compensation or even see the case rejected. It's oftentimes just better to have a personal injury lawyer assemble the demand package, even if the case seems simple.

Settlements and Negotiations

What is a personal injury case worth? It's not always an easy question. The costs associated with medical treatment, surgeries, physical therapy, and prescriptions are usually simple enough to add up. However, that gets trickier when it comes to calculating pain and suffering, lost wages and future earnings, and the loss of the enjoyment of life.

Once you arrive at a number, there's no guarantee that the insurance company will 100% agree with it. If they don't think it's a good number, they may come in with a lower figure. You will then have to negotiate, and that's often a job better left to a personal injury attorney. Also, if negotiations fail, you will have to decide whether to sue.

Lawsuits

Most injury cases will never see the inside of a courtroom. However, that doesn't mean that a lawsuit or the threat of one won't play a role. Suits can arise after claims are rejected, negotiations aren't fruitful, or defendants ask for additional elements like non-disclosure agreements.

Having a personal injury lawyer supporting you may signal to the other side that you mean business. It's not uncommon even in the cases that do lead to suits for the parties to eventually reach a settlement and avoid trial. It's important, though, to be organized and signal your willingness to sue. For more information, contact a personal injury attorney.