Scott Accident Injury Law Firms

Personal Injury Lawsuits

F ree eBook eBook . Personal Injury Lawsuits. Will lay the groundwork for understanding the legal process. Should you arrange a lawsuit? How do you file? A suit starts when you submit a written complaint to the court. As a plaintiff, you and your lawyer now have the responsibility to prove your case, and the defendant can win because you failed to provide your burden of proof. Get the book!

"The Law Offices of Lisa Douglas principal focus is protecting the injured, neglected, and abused. Help to right an injustice, and support your recovery moving forward with your lives journey. "

Voted The Best Attorney in the Stephens Media 6 years in a row. North Little Rock Times Poll recognized Lisa's firm as one of America’s fastest growing for her innovation, operational perfection, and a devotion to client service.

Here are the types of cases that require you to seek the services of a Personal Injury Lawyer

Motorcycle accidents are amongst the most distressing traffic accidents. Victims happen to have higher risks of sustaining severe injuries, physical and emotional pain and suffering, loss of employment, substantial medical bill, or even wrongful deaths. However, it’s good to understand that if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, Little Rock, you have the legal right to claim a settlement to cover such losses and damages. Some of the most common injuries that you might sustain include

Road Rash
A road rash is a skin abrasion resulting from direct bodily contact with the ground and can range from first-degree to third degree. The skin might peel away entirely leaving the tissues exposed or just minor scratches. The treatment for these injuries includes ointment or in extreme cases, reconstructive surgery to mend the wounds.

Head injuries
Head injuries happen in 22 percent of all motorcycle accidents. The severity depends on the impact of the crash and where you land during the collision. You can sustain temporally concussions or a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can result in paralysis or permanent mental impairment (26% of motorcycle crash victims diagnosed with TBI).

Bone fractures
Broken legs are one of the most common bone fractures in motorcycle accidents, Little Rock. That’s because the rider’s leg mostly remains underneath the motorcycle after the crash. Besides, the biker might involuntarily react by trying to break their fall and thus sustain wrist and arm fractures. Other fractures can include shoulder and pelvis injuries.

Spinal cord injuries
Over 11.2% motorcycle accidents cause spinal injuries. These injuries are typically a result of a traumatic blow to the spine causing the vertebrae to compress, crush, dislocate, or fracture. Spinal damage can cause severe complications including loss of sensation, motor function, or muscle strength.

Consult a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The motorcycle accident may turn into a nightmare for you and your family. Mostly, you’re left burdened with medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages, and other expenses. Thus, it would be a great idea to retain a seasoned attorney to help you file a claim as you take the time to recover.

At Lisa Douglas law firm, we have handed various motorcycle accidents claims in Little Rock and the surrounding areas for decades. We understand how distressing the injuries can be and how the insurance companies can complicate the process by lowering or denying liability. Our veteran motorcycle accident attorneys will present a strong defense to help you recover the compensation that you deserve.

Call us today and let’s discuss your injury claim!

5%

Personal injury cases go to trial

95%

Personal injury cases are settled pre-trial

31

Million

People are hurt in the US each year and require medical treatment

2

Million

Out of those 31 million, 2 million are injured seriously enough to require some kind of hospitalization

162

Thousand

Of those injuries are fatal

Workers who are exposed to asbestos at a job site, and breathed in the particles are at the risk of Mesothelioma (a type of cancer that affects the lining of body's organs, especially the lungs). A personal injury lawsuit is leveled against companies that knew of the dangers of asbestos, but goes ahead to use the substance. As soon you’re diagnosed with mesothelioma, you’ll need to retain a lawyer to help you sue and collect damages from your employer.

Malpractice is an act of negligence by a medical practitioner, which can result in injury to a patient or wrongful death. Under personal injury law, the offended party may sue and collect damages for the medical malpractice. However, to receive compensation, you must prove that the medical professional had a legal duty to care for you but ended up endangering your life.

Workplace accidents include slip and fall, or an illness that developed from the workplace environment. They can be as a result of exposure to harmful substances or unsafe working conditions. When filing these lawsuits, it is vital to prove that your injuries are directly related to the working conditions, and it took place on the property of your employer.

In most cases, dog owners are financially responsible for injuries and bites that are caused by their dogs. They will cater for medical expenses, pain, suffering and lost wages if the injuries are severe.

If you are injured in a car wreck, truck, or motorcycle accident due to another person's negligence, you may be eligible for compensation. See a doctor immediately, even if you feel fine because you might have sustained internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent due to shock. After that, contact a personal injury attorney. Lisa will ensure that you file all required paperwork and give you legal advice as you move forward with your case.

When it comes to an auto accident in Little Rock, the very best policy is to speak with an auto accident attorney before speaking with your insurance company. Knowing your rights and understanding the damages, you may be eligible to pursue as a victim can make the difference between getting what you deserve and settling for less. Here are steps you should take after an auto accident, Little Rock:

• Pull over if possible. If it is not feasible, stay in the car with the seat belt fastened.

• Determine if there are injuries and, if possible, call 911.

• Get information from the other vehicle driver, witnesses, and passengers. Also, do not admit to any fault, even if you were wrong. It could back you into a legal corner.

• File an accident report with the police and talk to them when they arrive. Stick to the facts – leave your opinion and analysis out of it. An off-hand comment could make you held liable to an incorrect degree.

• Talk your auto accident attorney before you call your insurer and if you have any injuries, even minor ones. This will offer protection from the other driver’s insurance company and any legal actions the driver may take.

Need help! Call auto accident attorney, Little Rock Upfront attempts to settle a case may not consider all factors, so a victim or a grieving family may incur debt, years of pain and suffering. However, with an auto accident lawyer, Little Rock you can schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation. These attorneys collect a negotiated percentage of your settlement only if you win a case. For more information or to book our services, please call us at 501-798-0004

Are personal injury settlements taxable?

For most people who have won a personal injury lawsuit, the most disconcerting question is-- are personal injury settlements taxable?

Usually, you will not be taxed on money from a claim meant to reimburse you for physical injuries and emotional anguish related to such injuries. According to the IRS, compensation that is received to cover economic damages such as medical expenses, as well as non-economic damages like suffering or pain, is commonly non-taxable. However, this rule has exceptions that can include:

Income replacement
If the compensation is meant to cover your lost income, then it will be subject to taxation. The IRS argues that if you were not injured, then all your gains could have been taxable. Thus, the settlement intended to replace your lost wages is legally taxable just like it would have been.

Interest
In some instances, the judge can grant you pre- or post-judgment interest. However, it is vital to note that any profit that you gain from your personal injury claim is taxable. You ought to report it on line 8a of the IRS form 1040 as “interest income.”

Prior deductions for medical expenses
It is lawfully acceptable to take an itemized deduction for medical expenses related to a personal injury when filing your tax returns. However, after being compensated, part of the settlement allocated for those medical expenses is categorized as income and thus subject to taxes. That’s because you already enjoyed a tax break for these bills in the year you requested for the deduction. The IRS forbids double dipping, and hence you must report the tax benefit on line 21 of the IRS form 1040 as “other income.”

Bottom line
Taxation principles are fraught with nuances and exceptions. Thus, it is essential to get legal counsel to reduce the tax liability. An attorney will enlighten you on crucial tax issues to consider in your personal injury case. He or she has the knowledge and expertise to take all the necessary measures to shield your compensation from excessive taxation. For more information about taxation of personal injury settlement, feel free to contact us!