Belgrade Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal Injury Attorney In Belgrade

Being injured under any circumstances can be very difficult, but when the injury was caused by another person’s wrongdoing or negligence, it can feel very unfair, too. Between mounting medical bills, lost wages, and psychological trauma, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. If you live in the Belgrade area, you may benefit from the help of a knowledgeable Belgrade, MT, personal injury lawyer.

About Bliven Law Firm, P.C.

At Bliven Law Firm, P.C., we have been advocating for justice for our Montana personal injury clients for over 35 years. We approach each case with empathy and compassion, understanding that our clients come to us during difficult times in their lives. We work tirelessly toward satisfactory resolutions for the people we serve. We have two Montana offices, in Kalispell and Boardman, but we can also come to you in the hospital or at your home if you are unable to travel.

What Constitutes a Personal Injury Case in Belgrade?

Any time one individual is injured because of the actions or negligence of another, the injured party is likely to have a legitimate personal injury case. For a personal injury claim to hold up in court, the following statements must be true:

• The liable party had a duty of care to the injured party.
• The duty of care was breached.
• The victim’s injury was directly caused by this breach.
• The victim suffered losses because of the injury.

Personal injuries can happen in myriad circumstances, and no two cases are exactly alike. However, there are some common causes for personal injury cases. A few of those are as follows: 

• Car accidents. Car accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injuries. In 2022 alone, Montana recorded over 22,000 car accidents.
• Medical malpractice. When doctors or other healthcare workers make mistakes, whether due to negligence, incompetence, or simple missteps, consequences for patients can be disastrous. In fact, an estimated 9.5% of deaths that occur in hospitals are direct results of medical mistakes.
• Slip-and-fall accidents. Countless people are injured in falls each year. Falls account for about 8 million emergency room visits each year in the United States.

Compensation for Personal Injuries in Belgrade

People with legitimate personal injury claims can seek financial compensation through insurance or the legal system for the losses they suffer. The standard components of a personal injury settlement are as follows:

• Medical bills. Medical care is expensive, and personal injuries can result in tens of thousands, or more, in hospital and physician bills. Personal injury compensation should cover these costs.
• Lost wages. Many hardworking people live paycheck to paycheck, and most Americans cannot afford to miss multiple paychecks. Significant injuries often result in extended time away from work, which can create a financial burden for victims and their families.
• Pain and suffering. Pain and suffering compensation takes into account both the physical pain of the injury and emotional or mental trauma arising from the accident.

When pursuing damages in a personal injury case, the first step is filing a claim with the liable party’s insurance company. However, insurance claims are often not enough to fully recover what an injury victim has lost.

Hire a Belgrade Personal Injury Lawyer

Insurance companies generally do not like to pay any more than they absolutely have to, and they do a lot to protect their own bottom lines. Unfortunately, that often includes denying or underpaying claims that they should cover. That’s why it is advisable to hire a personal injury lawyer before even filing the initial claim. Your attorney can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf, which may help encourage them to pay your claim.

If the insurance company responds with a denial or an insufficient offer, your lawyer can file a personal injury claim for you. During the personal injury claim process, your lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to try to reach a satisfactory settlement. If your case should go to court, your lawyer can present your case to the judge and advocate for you.

FAQs

Where Are Personal Injury Cases Heard in Belgrade?

In Montana, almost all personal injury cases are heard in the district courthouse that serves the county where the plaintiff lives. For people filing cases in Belgrade, they are handled at the Gallatin County District Courthouse, located at 615 South 16th Avenue in Bozeman. Your attorney can let you know if your case might be an exception.

Is My Personal Injury Case Likely to Go to Court?

No, your personal injury case will most likely not go to court. Most personal injury cases never see the inside of a courtroom, settling long before the case reaches the trial phase. If a plaintiff’s case is legitimate, most defendants would rather settle than go through a trial, pay court and attorney fees, and probably be ordered to pay compensation anyway.

What Medical Bills Should Be Covered by Personal Injury Compensation?

All medical bills associated with the accident, from the first emergency room visit to the last physical therapy appointment, should be taken care of by a personal injury settlement. If you have been injured, it is important to document all of your medical expenses, including those paid entirely out of pocket and insurance co-pays, to make sure that all of your losses are included in your settlement.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Belgrade?

The statute of limitations for personal injuries, which is set at the state level, is legally established in Section 27-2-204 of the Montana Code. Victims have three years from the date of the incident to take legal action to recover damages. After this three-year period, personal injury victims can no longer pursue compensation through the legal system.

Contact Bliven Law Firm, P.C.

If you have been injured, you may feel like your life has been turned upside down. The good news is that you have options to pursue the financial compensation you need to recover and move forward. At Bliven Law Firm, P.C., we stand ready to help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your case.

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