For over 35 years of personal injury and workers’ compensation experience count on Alabama Attorney Reginald Smith and his legal services are available in City of Hoover and Columbiana and Shelby County
He is an Alabama accident and injury lawyer who has taken on insurance companies over 1,000 times in over 35 years of practice.
Whether you have been injured by a car accident, defective product, slip fall, a job related injury or by whatever means you have suffered an injury, Alabama personal injury and workers’ compensation lawyer Reginald Smith wants to talk to you.
The Smith Law Firm is dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured workers in Alabama. You should never have to pay the consequences for an accident which you had no part in causing, especially if it puts your livelihood in jeopardy. Tuscaloosa personal injury attorney Reginald Smith will assist you in determining your settlement so that you know exactly what to expect and how he will go about handling your case.
When you are injured, one of the first concerns you may have is whether or not you will be able to work. However, if your injury occurred on the job, you may be able to seek workers’ compensation. Employers and insurance agencies may be reluctant to pay adequate coverage for your accident injuries, but with assistance from Tuscaloosa personal injury and workers’ compensation attorney Reginald W. Smith, he will fight for the compensation you deserve.
Your case is directly handled by Reggie, no passing it off to a junior partner like some of the big law firms do.
With 35 years of experience in Alabama personal injury and workers’ compensation law, Reggie has the training, experience, and resources to help you build a strong case and obtain maximum compensation for your injury lawsuit.
Please call Reggie at 205-394-4252 or fill out the free consultation form on this website so he can better evaluate your Hoover and Columbiana or Shelby County personal injury case and determine how he can best help YOU.
Tuscaloosa based lawyer Reginald Smith is experienced in handling the following types of personal injury and workers’ compensation cases.
Car accidents
Motorcycle accidents
Bus Accidents
Train & railroad collisions
Boating accidents
Auto/pedestrian accidents
Auto/bicyclist accidents
Airplane crashes
Slip and Fall Injuries
Product Liability Injuries
Dog Bite or Attack Injuries
Workplace Injuries
Medical Malpractice Injuries
Assault, Abuse, or Negligence Injuries
What happens during a Hoover and Columbiana, Alabama personal injury lawsuit?
A general overview of how a personal injury lawsuit proceeds in Alabama
Meeting with an Alabama personal injury attorney
If you’ve been injured or hurt in Alabama because of someone else’s carelessness, the first step, after getting medical treatment, is to consult a personal injury Lawyer to get a professional opinion as to whether you have a valid claim. Bring all supporting documentation, medical records, and notes you’ve taken about your situation. Most personal injury attorneys provide free consultations, so steer clear of those who charge fees just to meet with you.
Evaluating the lawyer
Having the right Alabama personal injury attorney on your side can mean the difference between winning and losing your case. Ask the lawyer about his or her level of expertise and track record handling your type of case, their policy regarding communicating with clients, and any other questions you might have. At the initial meeting, the lawyer will ask you many questions in order to get a complete understanding of your case. Be wary of any lawyer who, during the initial meeting, makes promises about how much money you can expect to receive. Good personal injury lawyers need time to truly evaluate the value of your case, and they often need to get specialized experts involved too.
Hiring a Hoover and Columbiana personal injury lawyer and understanding how they are paid.
Most personal injury lawyers are paid on a “contingency” basis, which means there is no fee unless your case is successful (i.e., they don’t get paid unless you get paid). If your case is awarded monetary compensation, the attorneys’s fee is based on a percentage of the total recovery, usually 25% to 40%, and is paid at the completion of the case. Once you agree to hire a lawyer, you will be asked to sign a client contract that specifies the exact attorney fee.
Investigating your case
Your personal injury lawyer will research your case at this stage to fully understand how you were injured and the extent of your injuries, damages, and costs. They will then contact and deal with the insurance company directly and usually with the attorney representing the party who injured you. Your lawyer will keep you aware of any negotiations and developments throughout the lawsuit process. Your focus needs be on getting the medical attention you need and returning to your normal routine.
Settling your case prior to filing a lawsuit
Many Hoover and Columbiana personal injury claims, especially cases involving car accidents, are often resolved before a lawsuit is filed. As your lawyer negotiates with the insurance company representing the party who injured you, a monetary offer may be presented to your lawyer to settle the case. If a settlement offer is made, your attorney will inform you about the offer and give his or her opinion on whether you should accept it. You ultimately decide if the settlement is acceptable.
Filing suit in an Alabama court – Pretrial phases
If an adequate settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will file a lawsuit in an Alabama court. A judge will then set a deadline for each phase of the lawsuit process. This part of the legal process can take several months to several years depending on the complexity of your case.
Complaint and answer phase.
The complaint is the document detailing your allegations regarding how you were injured and the extent of your damages. It is usually filed in the county where your injury occurred or where the party who injured you (defendant) resides. After filing, the Complaint is personally served on (delivered to) the defendant(s). The defendant must “answer” the Complaint in a set period of time, usually 30 days. The answer is the document in which the defendant admits to or denies the allegations of the complaint.
Discovery Phase.
During this phase, each party gathers testimony, evidence, documents and information from each other and from third parties regarding the personal injury case. Written discovery includes questions, also known as interrogatories, and requests for documents. Oral discovery, known as depositions, also takes place, usually in the county or city where the lawsuit was filed. During a deposition, witnesses, experts, and each party are questioned by an attorney. Your personal involvement is critical, so always be sure that your lawyer has your latest contact information.
Motions phase.
The defendant can file a motion before or after discovery is complete to get the Tuscaloosa County or City Court to take action on their behalf. This motion can ask the Court to dismiss one or more of your claims or even the entire case. Your lawyer typically has 28 days to file a written response in opposition to the motion. Sometimes a hearing is held so that the Tuscaloosa Court can consider both sides of the arguments.
Going to mediation
Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that can be requested at any time during the court case. It involves both parties, their lawyers, and a neutral mediator who acts like a referee between the parties. During mediation, both sides of the lawsuit present their case and engage in settlement negotiations as facilitated by the mediator. Mediations are non-binding, meaning that the parties can accept or reject the offer.
Going to trial
When a case goes to trial, your lawyer presents his or her side to the judge or jury, then the party who injured you (defendant) puts on their defense. After each side presents their legal arguments, the judge or jury determines the following: (1) if the defendant is liable (legally responsible) for your injuries and harm, and (2) if so, the amount of damages the defendant must pay you.
A personal injury trial in the Hoover and Columbiana or Shelby County area usually consists of six phases:
Jury selection
Opening statements
Witness testimony and cross-examination
Closing arguments
Jury instruction
Jury deliberation and verdict
Post trial
Sometimes your personal injury case is not over even if a jury gave a verdict in your favor. The defense could appeal the case and ask a higher (appellate) court to reconsider the verdict. If an appeal is not brought, it can still take some time to distribute the monetary award. Before you get paid your settlement, your lawyer is required to first pay any companies that have a legal claim to some of the money, known as a lien, out of a special escrow account. After that, your lawyer simply writes you a check and the money is yours to keep. Your Tuscaloosa personal injury lawsuit is now over.
Lawsuit Conclusion
The Hoover and Columbiana personal injury lawsuit process is complex, with many twists and turns, each requiring expert decision-making skills on the part of a skilled lawyer. Be sure your personal injury lawyer has expertise in cases like yours and a proven track record of success. And since your lawsuit may last for months to years, make sure you have a good rapport with your lawyer. Remember, you have only one opportunity to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries or loss, and having the right lawyer on your side can mean the difference between winning and losing your lawsuit. Choose yours wisely.
Tuscaloosa based lawyer Reginald Smith also represents clients in fighting workers’ comp denials and can help you file workers’ comp appeals. Don’t ever try to face your employer or insurance company alone. Only a trained and qualified workers’ compensation lawyer can give you the highest possible chance of success, so contact the Smith Law Firm as soon as possible, before your chances grow too slim. The benefits of workers’ comp are worth fighting for, as are your rights.
Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Reginald Smith is ready to help you in any type of accident or injury in Hoover and Columbiana or Shelby County . Don’t hesitate to contact Attorney Smith to discuss your legal options. Your initial consultation is absolutely free, so you have nothing to lose by calling and can learn exactly what could be done for your case.
Please call Reggie at 205-394-4252 or fill out the free consultation form on this website so he can better evaluate your Hoover and Columbiana or Shelby County personal injury case and determine how he can best help YOU.