How is compensation determined in a personal injury case?

Compensation in a personal injury case is based on various factors, including the extent of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any impact on your quality of life. Your attorney will gather evidence, such as medical records and witness statements, to build a strong case and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation.

What types of damages can I recover in a personal injury case?

In a personal injury case, you may be entitled to various types of damages, including:

• Economic Damages: These cover tangible losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
• Non-Economic Damages: These address intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Punitive Damages: In certain cases involving extreme negligence or malicious conduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior.

The Keith & Lorfing law firm stands as one of the premier litigation firms in West Texas. Our attorneys have dedicated decades to fighting for justice within the courtroom. Renowned for our exceptional litigation skills, trial capabilities, and practical approach, we resolve cases both effectively and efficiently.

With a strong reputation and proven track record in personal injury law, you can trust that our firm possesses the expertise and resources necessary to safeguard your legal rights during life’s unexpected challenges.

Meet Your Abilene Personal Injury Attorney

At Keith & Lorfing, we’re proud of our strong connections to West Texas and the personal touch we bring to our work. Managing partner Russell Lorfing, who used to be a federal prosecutor, has a lot of experience and a real dedication to fighting for justice. Partner Trey Keith has spent 25 years living in Sweetwater, giving him a deep understanding of the local area.

In addition, Joel Wilks is a fourth-generation West Texan, and Christopher Solis, who comes from far West Texas, both add their unique local insights to our team.

Together, we’re committed to providing exceptional legal help with a genuine understanding of our community.

To get to know more about our full team and how we can support you with your personal injury case, check out the profiles of our skilled attorneys and staff.

How Our Abilene Injury Attorneys Can Help

We understand that a personal injury can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only your physical health but also your financial stability and emotional well-being.

Our Abilene injury attorneys are dedicated to providing comprehensive support every step, ensuring you’re not left to deal with your injuries and financial struggles alone.

• Recovering Lost Wages: If your injury keeps you out of work, we’ll work hard to get you compensate for your lost income. We’ll handle negotiations with insurance companies or take legal action to ensure you get the full amount you’re owed so you can stay financially stable while you recover.
• Assistance with Medical Bills: Medical expenses can add up quickly. We’ll fight to have all your medical bills covered by the responsible party, so you can focus on getting better without the stress of debt. We’ll also help manage any medical liens to ensure your bills are taken care of properly.
• Property Damage Compensation: If your injury involved damage to your car or other property, we’ll help you recover those costs. We’ll work to get you compensation for repairs or replacements, making sure your property is restored or you’re fairly compensated for its loss.
• Support for Emotional Recovery: Injuries can also take a toll on your emotional well-being. We’ll seek compensation for pain and suffering and connect you with local resources and professionals in Abilene to help with the emotional effects of your injury.

By partnering with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Abilene, TX from our firm, you gain more than just legal representation—you gain a dedicated advocate who will fight for every aspect of your recovery.

Let us handle the complexities of your claim while you focus on getting your life back on track.

Get in touch today with a West Texas personal injury attorney from our firm for a free consultation

Important Initial Advice For a Personal Injury Claim

Taking the right steps if you’ve been injured in an accident is key to ensuring your claim is successful. Here’s what you should do:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Get medical help as soon as possible, even if you don’t feel hurt right away. Follow all medical advice and keep detailed records of your treatments.
2. Report the Incident: Make sure to report the injury to the appropriate authorities—such as the police for car accidents or your employer for workplace injuries—and obtain a copy of the official report.
3. Document Everything: Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Gather witness contact information and keep a detailed log of your experiences, including medical visits and pain levels.
4. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in Abilene: An experienced personal injury attorney in Abilene from Keith & Lorfing will guide you through the legal process, handle negotiations, and ensure you receive fair compensation.
5. Stay Off Social Media: Avoid posting about your injury or the incident. Insurance companies might use your social media posts to challenge your claim.
6. Don’t Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company: Initial settlement offers are often lower than what you deserve. Contact our personal injury trial law firm before agreeing to any compensation.
7. Be Careful with Your Language in Communications: When speaking with insurance companies, stick to the facts and avoid speculation. Let your attorney manage these conversations to avoid misinterpretation.
8. Keep Detailed Records: Track all expenses related to your injury, including medical bills, lost wages, and any other costs. This will help calculate the full value of your claim.

Deadlines For a Personal Injury Lawsuit

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the injury. This means you have a limited window to take legal action, and missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering any compensation for your injuries.

The statute of limitations is important because it sets the legal time frame for filing your claim. If you wait too long and the deadline passes, your case will likely be dismissed, leaving you without the financial support you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

It’s important to act quickly and consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. An attorney can help you gather evidence, build a strong case, and ensure that all necessary paperwork is filed on time.

By avoiding delays, you not only protect your right to compensation but also give your attorney the best chance to secure a favorable outcome for your case.

Gathering Evidence For Your Personal Injury Case

Collecting evidence is a critical step in building a strong personal injury case, but it can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to recover from an injury.

Here’s a list of the essential evidence you should start gathering as soon as possible:

1. Police Documentation: If the injury involved a car accident or another incident that required police intervention, obtain a copy of the police report. This document provides an official account of the incident, which can be key in proving fault.
2. Medical Records: Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, including emergency room visits, follow-up appointments, prescriptions, and any rehabilitation services. These records are vital in demonstrating the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.
3. Eyewitness Statements: If anyone witnessed the incident, their statements can provide valuable support for your claim. Gather contact information from witnesses so they can provide their accounts if needed.
4. Photo/Video Evidence: Visual evidence is often the most compelling. Take photos or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, property damage, and anything else relevant to the case. This evidence can help paint a clear picture of what happened.
5. Insurance Correspondence: Keep copies of all communications with insurance companies, including emails, letters, and any settlement offers. This documentation helps track the progression of your claim and shows the insurance company’s response.
6. Proof of Lost Wages: If your injury has prevented you from working, gather pay stubs, tax returns, or employer statements to document your lost income. This evidence supports your claim for compensation for lost wages.

We understand that gathering this evidence can be cumbersome and stressful, especially when trying to focus on your recovery. That’s why we’re here to help. By contacting our experienced personal injury attorneys, you can leave us the burden of gathering and organizing this information.

We’ll handle the hard work so you can concentrate on healing while we build a strong case on your behalf. Contact us today to find out how we can help

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Why Choose Us Over Other Abilene Personal Injury Lawyers?

Other Locations We Serve

In addition to Abilene, we proudly serve clients throughout the surrounding areas. Our commitment to providing top-notch legal support extends beyond the city limits, ensuring that residents in nearby communities receive the same high level of care and expertise:

Speak to an Abilene Personal Injury Attorney Right Now!