If you have been injured in an accident and are searching for legal representation, you might be surprised by the number of lawyers in South Omaha. Whether you need a lawyer for a divorce, bankruptcy, or a car accident injury, you can find dozens of lawyers around who specialize in a variety of practice areas.
When you are involved in an accident caused by another person’s negligence, choosing the right legal representation is essential. As an accident victim, you may be wondering the difference between a personal injury attorney and a general attorney.
While both are licensed professionals who offer legal services, their expertise and focus can differ greatly. Understanding these differences can help you make the right choice for your personal injury case.
What Is a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Lawyers who focus only on personal injury law, or tort law, are legal professionals who focus on cases involving injuries caused by accidents, negligence, or intentional acts.
These cases can include:
In South Omaha, experienced personal attorneys are knowledgeable in Nebraska’s personal injury laws, including statutes of limitations, comparative negligence rules, and local court procedures.
The primary goal of personal injury lawyers is to secure compensation for clients who have suffered injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
What Is a General Attorney?
A general attorney, or general practice lawyer, provides legal services across a wide range of legal areas. They are, at times, referred to as “jack-of-all-trades” attorneys. Because they handle various legal matters, but they may not have specialized knowledge in any one area.
Types of cases general attorneys handle include:
- Family law
- Estate planning
- Real estate transactions
- Criminal defense
- Business law
General attorneys may offer some assistance in personal injury cases, but their experience and depth of knowledge in this practice area are often limited.
Differences in Case Evaluation and Strategy in South Omaha
Personal injury attorneys focus specifically on cases involving accidents and injuries. They are skilled at evaluating the value of a claim based on the severity of the injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and potential future costs, such as ongoing medical care. They are also skilled at developing strategic plans to maximize compensation, whether received by a settlement or in court.
General attorneys can give you basic legal advice and maybe even represent you in an injury case. However, they may lack the detailed knowledge needed to accurately assess the long-term impact of an injury on the full value of a claim. This could result in you accepting a lower settlement or pursuing an ineffective legal strategy.
Experience in Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Personal injury lawyers in South Omaha have extensive experience in negotiating with insurance companies. Since about 96 percent of personal injury claims are settled out of court, these lawyers are skilled at maximizing compensation through negotiation. Familiar with the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts, personal injury attorneys know how to counter these strategies effectively.
General practice lawyers, who may not frequently handle personal injury claims by contrast, may lack the same level of experience in negotiating with insurance adjusters and handling the legal complexities of personal injury settlements. This can unfortunately result in lower settlements for their clients.
Understanding Local Courts and Regulations in South Omaha, Nebraska
Personal injury lawyers practicing law in South Omaha are familiar with the specific procedures and judges in the area. This knowledge can be invaluable when presenting a case in court or negotiating a settlement. They also understand local accident trends, such as the increased risk of car accidents in certain parts of Nebraska.
General attorneys may have some local knowledge, but they are unlikely to have the same depth of understanding about the specific laws governing personal injury cases in the area. This lack of knowledge could impact the strength and outcome of a personal injury claim.
The Contingency Fee Structure
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they recover compensation for you. Their fee is a predetermined percentage of your settlement or award. This fee structure aligns the lawyer’s goals with the client’s, as he or she will be motivated to secure the maximum compensation possible.
General practice lawyers may charge by the hour or require a retainer. This can become costly, especially if they are unfamiliar with tort law and need extra time to research your case.
When Should You Hire a South Omaha, NE Personal Injury Attorney?
If you have been injured in an accident, hiring a personal injury attorney is usually the best course of action, especially if your case involves any of the following:
- Severe injuries: If you have sustained serious injuries that require ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation, an accident injury lawyer can ensure that you are compensated fairly for both your current and future medical needs
- Disputed liability: If the at-fault party or their insurance company dispute who is responsible for the accident, personal injury attorneys can gather evidence and build a strong case to prove negligence
- Complex legal or medical issues: If your case involves complicated legal issues or requires testimony from medical experts, personal injury attorneys have the resources and connections to navigate these challenges
- Low settlement offers: If the insurance company offers a settlement that doesn’t cover your damages or losses, personal injury attorneys can negotiate a higher settlement or take your case to trial
When Might a General Attorney Be Appropriate?
While a personal injury lawyer is your best choice for all injury-related cases, there may be some situations where you may consider hiring a general practice lawyer, such as non-injury matters.
A general attorney can be helpful if your case requires legal guidance that extends beyond an accident and injury. This may include divorces, property law, or estate planning. As an example, if your personal injury accident involves a contract breach or other overlapping legal issues, a general attorney may be able to address those aspects of your case.
A general practice lawyer can also help with small claims. If you have experienced a minor injury with no significant medical treatment required, then extensive legal knowledge may not be needed, and a general attorney might be able to assist. However, a personal injury lawyer is still recommended to maximize potential compensation.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our South Omaha Personal Injury Lawyers Today
When faced with the aftermath of a severe injury, hiring the right personal injury attorney in South Omaha, Nebraska, is essential. This way, you can achieve the best possible outcome.
While general practice attorneys may provide competent representation for various legal issues, personal injury attorneys have the specific skills and knowledge needed to handle injury-related cases competently.
Whether you are coping with injuries from a motor vehicle accident, slip-and-fall, defective product, or another type of accident, working with a personal injury lawyer ensures you have a legal professional on your side who knows how to handle your case effectively. He or she will be dedicated to protecting your legal rights and securing maximum compensation for you.
Our personal injury law firm accepts all cases on a contingency fee arrangement. Additionally, your initial consultation is free of charge, with no pressure or obligation. Contact us today at (402) 241-5020 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case review.
-The Difference Between a South Omaha Personal Injury Lawyer and a General Attorney
David O’Neill at Hauptman, O’Brien Personal Injury Lawyers handled both of our cases and did excellent work. He communicates clearly, explains every step, returns calls, and follows through. Both cases moved forward smoothly with no confusion and no wasted time. If you need a personal injury attorney, contact David O’Neill because you will feel informed and supported from start to finish.