Posted on October 10,2024 in Personal Injury

People are injured daily through no fault of their own in a wide variety of incidents, and many of them can obtain compensation through a personal injury claim. Some people wonder if hiring a lawyer is worth it; the answer is yes, it is.

Many challenges can accompany your claim, and a single mistake can be costly. Once we explain some of the benefits of working with an experienced El Paso, TX lawyer from James Kennedy, P.L.L.C., we hope you will call us to schedule your free consultation.

Legal Knowledge

Various laws apply to personal injury and wrongful death cases, differing from state to state. Whether you were injured in a car crash, truck collision, slip and fall accident, or other incidents caused by negligence or an intentional act, you likely do not know the applicable laws and how they apply to your case. Your attorney from James Kennedy, P.L.L.C. does, and we will use that knowledge to build your case, advise you, and protect your best interests.

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 Posted on September 25,2024 in Personal Injury

After sustaining injuries in an accident caused by someone’s negligence or an incident involving an intentional act, you may qualify for compensation through a personal injury claim. These claims can often be settled through negotiations, but some are decided in court. Either way, a favorable settlement or verdict can bring much-needed and well-deserved funds.

Almost everything Americans buy or receive is subject to taxation. Are personal injury settlements taxed? How can you find out if you qualify for compensation? A knowledgeable attorney from James Kennedy, P.L.L.C. can answer your questions and help you determine your next steps. Call now for your free consultation.

What Damages Could Your Texas Personal Injury Settlement Include?

In Texas, you likely qualify for compensation after an injury accident or incident if you are less than 50 percent at fault. Laws differ by state, so it is vital to understand the form of negligence used in the state where your accident occurred. For example, New Mexico uses pure comparative negligence. These cases may stem from:

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 Posted on September 12,2024 in Car Accidents

If you were injured in a car accident, you likely have several questions about filing a claim to receive compensation. Who will pay you, and how much can you receive? The answers to those questions: it depends. Every case is different, and a one-size-fits-all answer does not exist. Unique case-specific criteria determine liability and potential settlement amounts.

If that sounds confusing to you, you are not alone. Many injured car accident victims rely on an experienced lawyer from James Kennedy, P.L.L.C. to handle their cases and protect their best interests. Call now to discuss your case and learn how we can help.

How Do You Establish Liability?

The first step in determining who will pay your settlement is to investigate your accident. Your attorney needs to find out why and how your wreck happened, and the results should point to one or more at-fault parties. They, along with their auto insurance companies, may be responsible for paying your settlement. For example, many car crashes happen due to:

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 Posted on August 28,2024 in Personal Injury

If you are injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation, and an attorney can help. You have probably heard that statement before, and it is true. However, choosing the wrong lawyer can harm your case.

What should you look for in a personal injury lawyer? How can you choose the right attorney? James Kennedy, P.L.L.C. explains.

What To Look for in Your Personal Injury Lawyer

Although any lawyer could technically handle your claim, not just any attorney is the right fit. You have a better chance of a successful resolution if you understand how to evaluate legal professionals.

A Focus on Personal Injury Law

Would you visit a neurosurgeon for a heart condition? Why not? Physicians, like attorneys, often have areas of focus. A lawyer whose focus is on personal injury cases:

• Understands the details of all applicable laws, including statutes of limitations

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 Posted on August 09,2024 in Personal Injury

If someone’s negligence causes you injuries and other eligible losses, you can often receive compensation. Your payout may be in the form of a negotiated settlement or a verdict from a personal injury lawsuit. Either way, you may wonder about any restrictions placed on the money you receive. What can you use it for? How much will you get? Our Board Certified personal injury trial lawyer at James Kennedy, P.L.L.C. can answer your questions, calculate your potential damages, and help you get the highest possible amount of compensation.

How Much Is Your Case Worth?

As much as we would like to tell you how much an average settlement is, we cannot. The value of your case depends on several unique factors. If you have a valid personal injury claim, you may receive compensation for various damages, including:

• Medical bills

• Property damage

• Lost wages

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 Posted on August 01,2024 in Car Accidents

 If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, you should not have to pay for all the resulting expenses. You can submit a personal injury claim to try to hold the other person accountable and make them compensate you for the damage they caused. A lawyer with training and experience in this field can help you gather evidence to prove your claims and deal with all the bureaucracy involved. However, there are some red flags to look out for as you begin working with a new lawyer. This article will describe some of the things a personal injury attorney should never do. If you need a lawyer to guide you through the process, speak with an El Paso, TX personal injury attorney who has experience fighting for maximum compensation in these types of cases.

Red Flag #1: Making Promises They Cannot Keep

Lawyers should avoid promising a specific outcome or guaranteeing a specific amount of compensation. There is no way to predict exactly how a legal case will end. If an attorney tells you they can, they may not be as professional and trustworthy as you deserve. You should work with a lawyer who can give you a realistic assessment of your case and explain various options for how it might end.

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 Posted on July 08,2024 in Personal Injury

Suppose you have been involved in an accident caused by the negligence of another. You may be surprised to receive a call from the insurance company representing the negligent party. Even more surprising, this call may have come within a few days of the accident, possibly even before you have had a chance to fully consider your options.

There is one thing you should always remember about insurance companies. The primary concern of all insurance companies is not your health, it is the company’s financial bottom line.  Like most of us, you have likely seen many heartwarming insurance commercials on television. The insurance companies reassure you that they are your "friend" and will be there when you need them.

Finding out the truth of the matter the hard way probably means you end up with a quick settlement that will not even begin to cover all the damages associated with the accident. Not only are you injured and perhaps unable to work and make a living, but you also have no idea how to pay your medical expenses or your regular monthly expenses. This does not have to be your scenario.

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 Posted on June 24,2024 in Personal Injury

Getting injured because of someone else’s negligence can be very distressing. You are worried about recovering and getting the medical care you need, but it can be hard to cover these unexpected costs. You are probably aware that you can get some of those costs covered as part of the compensation you can get in a personal injury claim, but you might not know exactly what to ask for. If a lawyer suddenly shows up and offers to represent you, you might feel relieved that there is one less thing you need to worry about. However, this should raise a red flag. The state of Texas has specific rules against a lawyer soliciting potential clients. This article will explain those rules and why you should be wary of lawyers who contact you trying to get you to hire them. If you need help seeking compensation for injuries, contact a qualified Sierra Blanca, TX personal injury attorney.

Ambulance Chasers and Barratry Law in Texas

Lawyers are often necessary during times of suffering and distress. There are rules in place about how lawyers can advertise their services, to protect potential clients from being taken advantage of when they are distracted by their stressful circumstances. If a lawyer has a website that you end up on after searching online for a specific area of law you are interested in, that is not problematic. If a law firm advertises its services in the newspaper, that is also fine.

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 Posted on June 07,2024 in Car Accidents

When someone else is to blame for a car crash that you are involved in, you generally get compensation for the costs related to any injuries you may have sustained and any damage to your car that needs to be fixed. However, once your broken bones have healed and your car has been repaired, it does not necessarily mean that everything is back to the way it was before. Even after a car is fixed, the damage caused by the accident might make it lose some of its value. That is where a diminished value claim comes in. If your car was damaged in an accident, speak with a skilled Van Horn, TX personal injury attorney to understand your rights.

How Can I Pursue a Diminished Value Claim?

Diminished value is a component of some insurance policies that recognizes the discrepancy between a car's worth before and after a collision, even after it has been repaired. It is not a required aspect, though, so you should review your policy and see if it is included.

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 Posted on May 24,2024 in Car Accidents

Car accidents can be awful to go through. Some victims find they relive the moment of impact; every time they close their eyes, it is as if they are seeing, hearing, and feeling everything that happened during the collision all over again. If your child was in the car with you when another car crashed into yours, it can feel even more traumatizing because you are not only worried about yourself but also concerned about your child’s physical and emotional recovery. Depending on the injuries, your child might need medication, surgery, physical therapy, and emotional therapy, and they might be unable to go to school for some time. If someone else’s dangerous driving caused all this pain and suffering, they should be held accountable. Speak with a seasoned Texas personal injury attorney to understand how compensation works in this type of case.

What Compensation Can Be Recovered for a Child Injured in a Car Crash?

It can be challenging trying to put a numeric value on the damages suffered by a child who was hurt in a car accident. Because minors do not need to pay their own medical bills and if they work, their income legally belongs to their parents, the usual questions about damages in a car accident do not apply. This does not mean that it is impossible to recover damages when someone crashes into your car and injures your child. However, it is a different type of case and one of the best things you can do is hire an experienced lawyer who has represented clients in similar situations and can advocate passionately on your behalf.

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