Few people expect to end up in hospital when they leave their own home, but unexpected accidents can happen practically anywhere, even in places where you wouldn’t think were unsafe. Many accidents are due to someone else’s negligence. If this is what has happened to you, and you have proof that you were not to blame for your own injuries, you should talk to a personal injury attorney before considering filing a claim for compensation.
Choosing a Personal Injury Attorney in Birmingham
Birmingham has a large number of attorneys who can help you with a personal injury claim. There are over 700 attorneys in the city and surrounding district who are listed as personal injury attorneys. This is a huge number of specialists who are able to provide legal assistance if you do decide to file a personal injury claim. Check to make sure that the attorney you choose is licensed to operate in the state.
Typical Injuries in Birmingham
Accidents in Birmingham are varied in nature. Slip, trip and fall accidents are typical of personal injury claims, but there is no stereotypical accident that can be given as an example. These types of accidents can literally happen anywhere: on a sidewalk, caused by uneven or a badly maintained surface, as you are exiting an elevator, in a supermarket or grocery store due to wet or greasy floors.
Workplace injuries in Alabama are generally covered by workers’ compensation insurance, which prevents a personal injury claim. The most common serious injuries in Birmingham are caused by traffic accidents. You are more likely to be badly hurt when you are in your own vehicle and hit by a negligent driver.
The Personal Injury Claim Process in Alabama
If you are injured in Alabama in an accident that was not your fault, you are entitled to file a personal injury claim, but you must be sure that you have sufficient evidence to link the person, business, organization or government agency with your injuries.
Alabama has a contributory negligence rule that prevents you from obtaining compensation if you are even the slightest amount to blame for the accident. You may find that the defendant’s insurer will attempt to blame you for at least some of the accident in the hope that this absolves them from having to make any payment. This is one reason why it is important to engage an experienced personal injury attorney to help you with your claim.
The statute of limitations in Alabama is two years from the date of the injury unless the at-fault party is a government entity. Time limits for claims are 6 months for claims against the city of Birmingham and 1 year for claims against Jefferson County. There are no caps imposed on compensation payments, including medical negligence claims.
Personal injury claims are filed with the appropriate civil court. Ask your attorney about the court you need to use as it may depend on the amount you are claiming. The most likely court is the Jefferson County Court in Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N in Birmingham. Phone number is (205)325-5285.
Use a Free Claim Evaluation to Find a Suitable Attorney
Birmingham has an extraordinary number of personal injury attorneys listed, so how do you choose a suitable attorney? One easy way is to use our free claim evaluation form available below. Although you normally have 2 years to file a claim, it is always preferable to get the ball rolling as soon as possible as witnesses are easier to find and evidence is likely to be clearer the closer it is to the date of the accident.
