Anthony Ferguson and Jennifer Nichols Ferguson Answer Your FAQs
If you have suffered serious injuries in an accident, we understand that you may have questions about what to do next. Here, we provide answers to several frequently asked questions about personal injury cases in Maine – and provide links to additional information about pursuing claims for financial compensation. If you have questions about your personal situation and need legal advice, we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation.
1. What should I do if I have been injured in an accident?
2. Who can I sue for injuries suffered in an accident?
3. What do I need to prove in order to win a personal injury claim?
4. What are contingency fees?
5. How much can I recover for my injuries?
6. How do I choose the best lawyer for my personal injury claim?
7. Does your firm represent clients throughout Androscoggin County?
1. What should I do if I have been injured in an accident?
When you are involved in any type of accident, the most important thing you can do is seek prompt medical attention. Seeing a doctor helps ensure that you receive the treatment you need for your injuries. It is also important evidence of your injuries.
If you are able, you should also take photos of your injuries and the area where your accident happened. Write down contact information from witnesses and anyone else involved. If the police are involved, write down the responding officers’ names. Get a copy of the police report as well. Finally, consider speaking with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
2. Who can I sue for injuries suffered in an accident?
Who you can sue will depend on the facts of your case. For example, in some two-car accidents, the only claim is against the other driver. However, in other accidents, there can be multiple parties who are responsible. Cases involving truck accident injuries, slip and falls, and prescription drug errors commonly involve claims against numerous defendants.
3. What do I need to prove in order to win a personal injury claim?
In most personal injury cases, the standard for proving liability is “negligence.” Negligence is a legal term that has been defined through centuries of case law and continues to be interpreted in new ways as unique cases come before the courts. In some cases, there is little room for dispute as to who was the negligent party. In others, proving negligence may require in-depth investigation, hiring of experts and lengthy witness testimony at trial.
In most cases (with some exceptions), your personal injury lawyer will be tasked with proving negligence “by a preponderance of the evidence” – meaning that it is more likely than not that the defendants caused your injuries.
4. What are contingency fees?
When a personal injury lawyer takes your case on contingency, you do not pay any legal fees unless recovery on your claim is successful. If you do not settle with the insurance company and the court rules against you at trial, your lawyer will not get paid. Lawyers who work on contingency typically take cases they believe they can win, and they fight vigorously to obtain the compensation their clients deserve.
At Fales & Fales, P.A., we take cases on contingency, and we also advance the costs of pursuing our clients’ claims. The costs of pursuing a personal injury can be expensive. We advance these costs because we believe in our abilities and we want our clients to be able to seek compensation without worrying about advancing the costs of their cases.
5. How much can I recover for my injuries?
Each case is different, and the amount you can recover for your injuries will depend on a number of different factors. When you meet with us for your initial consultation, we will begin to evaluate your case. After we have enough facts we can discuss estimating the value of your claim.
Your financial damages will be tied to the scope and nature of your injuries – for example, brain injuries and spinal cord injuries often have drastic consequences and typically warrant higher compensation awards. Read more about the compensation available to personal injury victims in Maine
6. How do I choose the best lawyer for my personal injury claim?
When choosing a lawyer for your personal injury claim, there are many considerations. Without a doubt, one of the important considerations is local experience. An attorney who has handled lots of similar cases in your local jurisdiction will not only have the legal knowledge necessary to pursue your claim, but will also have a strong reputation with the insurance companies, defense lawyers, and judges in your area.
7. Does your firm represent clients throughout Androscoggin County?
Yes. Our firm has been located in downtown Lewiston since 1891, and regularly represents both residents and visitors of Androscoggin County. If you have been injured in a car accident, truck accident, motorcycle accident, ski accident, or any other situation where someone else is at fault, our attorneys can help you fight for the largest possible settlement or verdict for your losses.
Contact an Attorney at Fales & Fales, P.A. to Learn More
If you or a family member has been injured in an accident in Maine and you have questions about pursuing a claim for compensation, the attorneys at Fales & Fales, P.A. are here to help. We have decades of experience and have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. To schedule a free, confidential consultation at our offices in Lewiston, call (888) 526-9408 or contact us online today.
