Filing a lawsuit is a complex process, but do you need a lawyer to sue someone? There is no requirement to have a lawyer representing you, but the benefits almost always outweigh the drawbacks. Understanding what happens when you sue someone will help you make an informed decision about whether or not to talk to a lawyer.
Why Should You Hire a Lawyer When You Sue Someone?
When you sue someone, you will likely have to contend with the lawyers or insurance providers who represent them. Having a personal injury lawyer on your side will ensure you have someone who can advocate for you with the same level of expertise and legal experience.
Your attorney will use proven negotiation strategies to pursue a favorable result without the other side being able to take advantage of you. They will know how to firmly establish liability and when to make a strong offer or counteroffer.
It is also important to consider how long it can take to sue someone. A personal injury lawsuit can take anywhere from several months to a few years. Hiring a lawyer can expedite this timeline because they have the resources to hold the insurance company accountable and push them to take action in a timely manner.
When Can You Sue Someone Without Legal Help?
It is common for people to handle legal action themselves if the lawsuit stays in the small claims courts. A small claim is usually a lawsuit where you are pursuing a settlement valued at $3,500 or less, but many personal injury cases are more complex and have more compensation on the line.
If you decide to sue without legal help, it is important to make sure you know how much your claim is worth. An attorney has the experience to analyze all the relevant records and every aspect of your case to estimate what a reasonable settlement would be for your damages. Without professional help, determining the value of your case can feel like a guessing game.
Keep in mind also that you usually cannot reopen a lawsuit after accepting a settlement. This means that making a mistake or undervaluing your claim can be devastating. When you sue without legal help, you need to be much more careful about considering all of your current and future losses before signing an agreement.
How Much Does It Cost To Sue Someone?
Even without hiring a lawyer, the cost of suing someone can go well over $1,000. There are filing fees, discovery costs and possibly even expert witness fees that can add up quickly. Legal action can be a significant investment, so it is worth taking every reasonable step to make sure you achieve the desired goal.
If you decide to hire a lawyer, they might charge you an hourly rate between $100 and $500, depending on their operating costs. However, most lawyers get paid on a contingency basis, which means you will only pay when and if they win a settlement for you. It may seem like an expensive service, but the right legal team will provide value by helping you secure more compensation than you might have received otherwise.
Sargon Law Group Can Help With Filing a Lawsuit
At Sargon Law Group, we are available to evaluate your case and provide our honest opinion on whether you need a lawyer to sue someone for your damages. We invite you to review our previous case results to help you decide if we can provide the value you are looking for.
Contact us any time if you decide to work with us for your personal injury lawsuit. We proudly represent clients throughout Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and California.