If you’ve suffered personal injuries after being exposed to a toxic or poisonous substance in your environment, you will need the help of a personal injury attorney to file a legal claim against those responsible in your injuries. Proving an environmental damage claim can be very challenging and the expertise and knowledge of a personal injury lawyer familiar with handling lawsuits of this nature is central to filing a successful claim and to seeing sufficient damages awarded for covering your medical expenses and other losses associated with your injuries.
Financial Liability for Your Environmental Damage Personal Injuries
Environmental damage can result under a number of different circumstances, and the manner in which you were exposed to environmental damage will play a part in the assignment of financial liability for your claim. The circumstances of your exposure will also determine the kind of personal injury lawsuit filed in your case. A personal injury attorney accustomed to handling lawsuits involving environmental damage will be able to advise you on whom to hold responsible for your claim and the types of damages you may be able to include in your case as well.
The Initial Consultation for an Environmental Damage Claim
Your first meeting with a personal injury attorney is known as an initial consultation and most injury lawyers offer the initial consultation free of charge. During this meeting the attorney assesses the merits of your case, reviews the information you have to support your claim, and educates you on the legal process for filing a personal injury lawsuit. He or she will also communicate legal fees, prospective time frame for completion of your claim, and the amount and types of damages you may be awarded.
Many personal injury attorneys work on contingency, meaning you can hire legal representation without concern for how you’ll pay legal fees. Under a contingency contract, the attorney would receive a percentage of the damages you’re awarded in the case.
What Help can an Environmental Damage Attorney Provide?
A personal injury attorney works for you. He or she is the central point of contact for all communications regarding your case and is therefore a buffer between you and the parties you name in your lawsuit. The attorney is also the responsible party for all legal actions and communications, and will always keep you up to date on the progress and details of your claim.
Additionally, a personal injury lawyer can help you determine what damages to file and the amount of compensation you should seek. He or she will advise you on the appropriate course of action – settlement out of court or a courtroom trial – and will work to get you the highest settlement or award of damages possible given the nature and circumstances of your case.
Substantial proof is required for supporting an environmental damage personal injury claim and your attorney will help you secure the necessary documentation for proving your case. He or she will also act as a support system throughout the case, removing much of the burden from your shoulders during settlement negotiations or trial. If your case does proceed to trial, your attorney will help you prepare for testifying and will argue your case in court.