[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=”” type=”legacy”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”true” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_sizes_top=”” border_sizes_bottom=”” border_sizes_left=”” border_sizes_right=”” type=”1_1″ first=”true”][fusion_text]
A personal injury attorney helps people who have been injured, or the families of those who have been killed, by the actions of another person or company. And like most law firms that offer free consultations, at Coluccio Law we are often contacted by people who need a different type of legal service than we provide.
While none of these are direct examples (our free consultations are confidential), we often get inquiries like these. Here are some examples to help you figure out what type of lawyer you may need when a personal injury lawyer can’t help you.
“I caused a car crash”
We do represent people who are seriously injured in car or truck crashes.
But if you are responsible for causing the car crash, then your car insurance company will appoint an attorney to represent you if necessary (see below). You should speak to your insurance company adjuster immediately. If you were uninsured at the time of the crash, you could be personally liable for damages and you may lose your drivers license under financial responsibility laws.
If you were cited for something like Driving Under the Influence, or Reckless Endangerment, consider consulting a criminal lawyer.
“I am being sued”
The plaintiff is the person or party filing a claim or lawsuit for damages. The defendant is the person or party against whom the plaintiff files a lawsuit.
Kevin Coluccio is a plaintiff’s personal injury attorney. If you are being sued, then you are the defendant.
If someone was injured by your vehicle, then your car insurance company should hire a defense lawyer to represent you. If someone was injured on your property, your homeowners or renters insurance company should hire a defense lawyer.
If you do not have insurance, you may need to hire a civil litigator to help with this lawsuit.
“I was hurt at work”
In most situations, you would have a workers’ compensation claim – not a personal injury claim. It depends on the injury, where your workplace was located, and what was happening at the time of the incident that caused your injury.
However, there are some situations in which a person who is injured on a dangerous job site isn’t covered by workers’ comp, and does need to consult with a personal injury attorney.
If we are unable to help someone with a work injury, we are usually able to direct them to an appropriate workers’ compensation lawyer.
A plumber suffered severe injuries to his feet and ankles after a 40-foot drop through damaged, rotting floorboards on a dangerous job site.
His nearly three million dollar personal injury case result was procured by Coluccio Law in 2016.
“My tenant slipped and fell on property I own”
When this legal matter involves an injury and a claim is being pursued, the owner of the property would be a defendant in this case. The injured person would be the plaintiff.
We would advise a person in this situation to contact their insurance carrier if this occurs on their property.
“This product / service is not what it is supposed to be”
There are times when a personal injury law firm can help with a defective product claim; for example, a design flaw that causes a car’s roof to collapse on impact.
But there are other avenues and options for failed products or undelivered services. Check the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for additional information.
Occasionally, we are consulted by people who have had a bad experience at a car dealership, or who have questions about Lemon Law claims. We usually recommend contacting a lawyer who handles consumer law cases.
“My boss treated me unfairly or did/said something that caused me harm”
If you have experienced discrimination or harassment at work, you may need to speak with an employment lawyer. Some attorneys handle both discrimination cases and employment law.
If you contact your company’s Human Resources department, keep in mind that they represent the company’s best interests —not yours.
“A restraining order was issued against me / (Someone) violated a restraining order”
There are some circumstances under which a personal injury attorney can help in this situation. However, these situations are rare and very complicated, usually involving extreme negligence or failure by a government entity, and a significant injury or a fatality. (If this is your situation, speak with a lawyer immediately to protect your legal rights.)
In most situations, a person who has violated a restraining order should be reported to the police. If a restraining order was issued against you—regardless of whether you believe it was warranted—contact a local criminal lawyer.
“(Someone) violated our contract or agreement”
Contracts are a specific area of the law. Even if this violation caused you harm or injury, you need to speak with a contract lawyer.
If they are unable to help you, look for a state or local mediation program to help resolve the conflict.
Questions about personal injury claims?
Contact us for a free consultation.
Recommended Article: Free Legal Advice Washington State
[/fusion_text][contact-form-7 id=”1199″ /][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
