Located in the heart of the Midwest, Lincoln is a welcoming city with a vibrant culture and a thriving economy. But, as in any town, accidents can happen when you least expect them. When you suffer injuries in an accident, the consequences can be devastating. Costly medical treatments and missed days from work can create a financial burden for your entire family.
If your injuries are due to the negligence or carelessness of another person, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a Lincoln personal injury lawyer from Steffens Law Offices. Tell us your story, and let us explain how we can help.
Why Choose Steffens Law Offices for Your Lincoln Personal Injury Claim?
At Steffens Law Offices, we recognize the challenges and uncertainties that follow accidents, and we are committed to providing you with the legal representation and support you need during this difficult time. With over 35 years of experience, a deep understanding of Nebraska's laws, and a proven track record of success, we are ready to fight for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Our mission is to advocate tirelessly for our clients and ensure justice is served. If you've suffered injuries due to someone else's negligence, don't hesitate to reach out to our Lincoln Personal Injury Lawyers at Steffens Law Offices.
We are here to provide you with expert legal guidance and work tirelessly to help you recover from the physical, emotional, and financial consequences of your accident. Your well-being is our top priority, and we are prepared to stand by your side every step of the way. Contact us today for your free and confidential consultation.
Lincoln Personal Injury Cases We Handle
A personal injury refers to any physical, emotional, or psychological harm or damage suffered by an individual as a result of someone else's negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions. Personal injuries can occur in various situations.
Some personal injury cases our lawyers have handled include:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Dog bite attacks
- Wrongful death
These injuries can lead to physical pain, emotional distress, medical bills, lost income or wages, and other related losses. The ultimate goal of a personal injury lawyer is to help their clients recover the financial compensation they need to recover from their injuries, regain their quality of life, and move forward after a traumatic event.
Do I Have a Personal Injury Case?
In a personal injury claim, to establish grounds for pursuing legal action, the injured party typically needs to show that the other party was negligent. Negligence is a key legal concept in personal injury law, and it means that someone failed to exercise reasonable care, which led to an injury or harm to another person.
To prove negligence and succeed in a personal injury claim, you must establish four essential elements:
- Duty of Care: The first element of negligence involves demonstrating that the defendant (the party being sued) owed a legal duty of care to the plaintiff (the injured party). Duty of care is a legal obligation to act reasonably and avoid causing harm to others in specific situations. For example, a driver has a duty of care to operate their vehicle safely and obey traffic laws to prevent accidents.
- Breach of Duty: To proceed with a personal injury claim, the plaintiff must show that the defendant breached their duty of care. This means they failed to meet the standard of care expected under the circumstances. For instance, if a property owner doesn't maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition and someone slips and falls due to a hazardous condition, it could be considered a breach of duty.
- Causation: The plaintiff must establish a direct link between the defendant's breach of duty and the injuries suffered. There are two types of causation to consider:
- Cause in Fact (Actual Cause): The plaintiff must show that the defendant's actions were the direct cause of their injuries. In other words, "but for" the defendant's actions or negligence, the injury would not have occurred.
- Proximate Cause (Legal Cause): Proximate cause refers to the foreseeability of the harm. The plaintiff must demonstrate that the harm suffered was a reasonably foreseeable consequence of the defendant's actions.
- Damages: To pursue a personal injury claim, the plaintiff must have suffered actual damages. Damages can include physical injuries, medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost wages, property damage, and other losses. It's essential to prove that these damages resulted directly from the defendant's negligence.
Meeting these criteria is crucial to demonstrating that the defendant's negligence led to the plaintiff's injuries and justifies a legal claim for compensation. Personal injury lawyers play a vital role in helping clients gather evidence and build a strong case to prove these elements and seek the compensation they deserve.
What Types of Compensation are Available to Lincoln Personal Injury Victims?
Personal injury victims may be eligible for various types of compensation, depending on the specific circumstances of their case.
Here are common types of compensation that may be available:
- Medical Expenses: Personal injury victims can seek compensation for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to their injuries. This includes hospital bills, doctor's fees, surgery costs, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment.
- Lost Earnings: If the injury results in missed work or reduced earning capacity, victims can claim compensation for lost wages and future income they would have earned if not for the injury.
- Pain and Suffering: Victims may be entitled to compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological suffering caused by the injury. This category covers non-economic damages that can be challenging to quantify but are nonetheless significant.
- Property Damage: In cases involving accidents such as car crashes, victims can seek compensation for the repair or replacement of damaged property, including vehicles.
- Loss of Consortium: If a personal injury affects a victim's ability to maintain a normal marital relationship or companionship with their spouse, the spouse may be eligible for compensation for loss of consortium.
- Disfigurement or Scarring: Compensation may be available for disfigurement or scarring resulting from the injury, as these physical changes can have a lasting impact on a person's life.
- Wrongful Death: In cases where a personal injury leads to a fatality, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one.
The availability and amount of compensation can vary widely depending on the specific facts of the case, the severity of the injuries, and Nebraska's laws and regulations.
To maximize your chances of obtaining fair compensation, consult an experienced Lincoln personal injury lawyer who can evaluate your case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. An attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve for your losses.
What if I’m Partly to Blame for My Injuries?
Comparative negligence is a legal concept used in personal injury cases to determine the degree of fault or responsibility that each party involved in an accident bears for the injuries and damages that result.
Comparative negligence allows for a more equitable allocation of liability when multiple parties may share responsibility for an incident.
In a comparative negligence system, such as Nebraska's, the court evaluates the actions of all parties involved, including the plaintiff (the injured party) and the defendant (the alleged wrongdoer). The court assesses the percentage of fault attributed to each party, and the amount of compensation awarded to the plaintiff is then adjusted accordingly.
Nebraska follows a comparative negligence standard with a 50% bar. This means the plaintiff can only recover damages if they are found to be less than 50% at fault for the accident. If the plaintiff is determined to be 50% or more responsible, they are barred from recovering any damages.
The courts and insurance companies will consider a person’s degree of fault when determining the amount of compensation they’re owed — if any. This stresses the importance of having an experienced personal injury attorney to help establish negligence and protect your rights.
How Can a Lawyer Help With My Personal Injury Claim?
A lawyer can provide valuable assistance in various ways when you have a personal injury claim. Here are some of the ways a personal injury lawyer from Steffens Law Offices can help you:
Initial Consultation
Our personal injury lawyers offer a free initial consultation to assess the merits of your case. During this consultation, we will listen to your account of the incident, evaluate the evidence, and advise you on the strength of your claim.
Legal Guidance
We can explain your rights and legal options, helping you understand the complexities of personal injury law and the potential outcomes of your case.
Investigation
Our lawyers have the experience and resources to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of your injury. We gather evidence, interview witnesses, obtain medical records, and collect relevant documents to build a strong case on your behalf.
Establishing Liability
Our lawyers work to establish liability by demonstrating that the at-fault party breached a duty of care, leading to your injuries. We use evidence and legal arguments to prove the negligence or wrongdoing of the responsible party.
Determining Damages
Our personal injury attorneys assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses. We ensure that you seek compensation for all applicable damages.
Negotiation with Insurance Companies
Our lawyers negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to reach a fair settlement. We have experience dealing with insurance adjusters and are skilled at advocating for your best interests to maximize your compensation.
Filing Lawsuits
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement through negotiations, we can file a lawsuit and represent you in court. We will prepare the case, present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue on your behalf during trial.
Legal Experience
Our personal injury attorneys are well-versed in the laws and regulations specific to personal injury cases in Lincoln and throughout Nebraska. We ensure that your case complies with all legal requirements and deadlines.
Peace of Mind
Having a lawyer on your side can provide peace of mind during a challenging time. You can focus on your recovery while your attorney handles the legal aspects of your case.
Contingency Fees
Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you succeed in your case. This arrangement allows you to pursue your claim without upfront legal fees.
Knowledge of Settlement Values
Our lawyers have a realistic understanding of the value of personal injury cases. We can advise you on whether a settlement offer is fair or if it's in your best interest to proceed to trial.
Fair Compensation
Our personal injury attorneys are committed to securing fair compensation for our clients. They will work diligently to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and losses.
Contact the Lincoln Personal Injury Lawyers at Steffens Law Offices Today
In times of personal injury, you need a trusted partner who will tirelessly advocate for your rights and guide you toward the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve. At Steffens Law Offices, we are committed to being that partner for you here in Lincoln, Nebraska.
With our years of experience, in-depth knowledge of Nebraska's personal injury laws, and a proven track record of successful outcomes, we are dedicated to standing by your side throughout this challenging journey.
Don't let the complexities of a personal injury claim overwhelm you. Let us handle the legal intricacies while you focus on your recovery and well-being. Contact us today at (402) 414-4898 or through our online form for your free consultation. Together, we will assess your case, explore your legal options, and create a strategic plan to secure the compensation and closure you need to move forward.