If you have been hurt in an accident in Alaska, you need to hire a personal injury attorney immediately. Two years is the statute of limitations for lawsuits. But, you might still be able file your claim if you suffered an injury during this period. Luckily, Eric Derleth offers free case evaluations to all prospective clients. Reach out to him today for a free consultation. You'll be glad you did!
Car accidents
A personal injury attorney in Alaska may be an option if you were in a serious auto accident. Unlike other states, Alaska follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means that you can receive compensation even if you contributed to the accident. You could have been speeding while not using your turn-signal. But you do not have to be 100 percent at fault to recover compensation.
The statute of limitations for filing lawsuits in Alaska is two years for negligence cases. There are exceptions to this rule, including cases in which the plaintiff is a minor or was unaware that he can file a case. Depending on the nature of the accident, the statute can be shorter or longer. If you have been in an accident and sustained injuries, it is important that you contact an Alaska personal Injury attorney as soon possible.
Truck accidents
To assess your legal options, it doesn't matter if you're sitting in a car's passenger seat or in the back of an Alaska semi-truck. It can be difficult to manage accidents involving commercial trucks. Collisions with these vehicles can be particularly dangerous due to their heavy weight and mountainous terrain. Even a minor accident can result in catastrophic injuries, so it is crucial that you retain an experienced lawyer to protect your rights.
Often, the truck driver at fault for the accident is actually the truck driver. However, other factors may also be involved. The company owner could be held responsible if the truck was not maintained properly or the driver was tired. Another reason for the accident could be that other drivers failed to give enough space between their vehicles, and the truck. Alaskan personal injury lawyers are available to assist you in recovering all damages from the negligent party.
Slip-and-fall accidents
There are numerous reasons why a slip and fall accident requires the help of a personal injury lawyer in Alaska. Most often, the property owner is at fault for the accident. The accident must be the result of someone else's negligence, such as a lack of proper security or a slip-and-fall. An innocent person may be entitled at compensation if they fall because of negligence. Alaskan personal injury lawyers can help you to build a strong case against a property owner.
In a slip-and fall accident case, the most important thing is to prove that the defendant was negligent. This means that the plaintiff must prove there was a hazard and that the manager or owner of the property knew about it. Noting that defendants will often blame the injured party, it is vital to get an attorney to assist you in proving your case.
Medical malpractice
Alaska allows you the right to sue any health care provider or hospital for medical malpractice. State laws may limit damages, but you can still claim compensation if you file suit. Alaska's law requires that you file a claim within a period of two years after the date you were hurt. You may not be eligible for compensation if you don't file your claim within the time limit.
An attorney who has experience in this area can represent you effectively in a medical negligence lawsuit. These lawyers are experienced at advocating on behalf of their clients before the state's medical board, as well as federal courts. They have successfully argued cases in front of the Alaska Supreme Court. If a patient has been injured by medical malpractice, a health care provider can contact an attorney. An attorney who specializes in medical malpractice can provide advice to clients about how to avoid being sued if this happens.
FAQ
What job opportunities will I have once I'm done with school?
Graduates have three main career options: private practice, public interest, and government service. Public interest jobs can be as an attorney in a non-profit or as a judge. Private practice positions can include solo practitioners, partners in a firm, and corporate counsel. The government service career includes being a judge, defense lawyer, or prosecutor.
How much does it cost for law school to attend?
The cost of law school tuition is variable by school, but it generally runs between $50,000 and $60,000 per year. Financial aid packages are offered by law schools to students of low income. Students with federal loans (including Stafford Loans) may be eligible for loan forgiveness after graduation.
What's the difference between a personal injury lawyer versus a civil rights attorney?
Personal injury lawyers represent victims of injuries that were not their fault. These injuries can include car accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, among others.
The civil rights lawyers represent people whose constitutional rights were violated. Examples of discrimination include those based on race or gender, sexual orientation, disability and religion.
What is the average salary of lawyers?
No. Lawyers often earn less than doctors and dentists, engineers or architects, teachers, nurses, accountants and pharmacists, and veterinarians. Lawyers average $55,000 annually.
What's the difference between a paralegal or a legal assistant?
Paralegals can be trained to do specific tasks like typing, filing, and researching. An attorney may need a legal assistant to help with research, writing, and the preparation of pleadings. These professionals are essential for attorneys to be able to finish their work.
Which type of lawyer are you best at?
A legal professional does not fear asking for what they require. To ensure that clients get the best representation, they will go above and beyond their duty.
Because they know that they can't win these cases, other lawyers will turn them away.
Legal professionals can negotiate for the best client deal.
Someone who is committed to providing excellent service and quality results. Someone who can think outside the box to find solutions that other people wouldn't.
Someone ethical and honest. Respects the regulations and rules set by the courts and government agencies.
A lawyer who is trustworthy and has a strong work ethic.
What should I budget for when hiring a lawyer?
If you want to hire a lawyer, ask yourself what you will need from him or her. It is reasonable to expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 for an hour. It includes time spent researching your options and preparing paperwork to begin the process. This also includes meeting with a lawyer, negotiating contract details, drafting the agreement, paying filing fees, and other expenses. Even though you believe you are paying for his or her expertise, you actually spend more.
Consider whether you wish to retain the attorney full-time, part-time, or both. Hourly rates are common for full-time lawyers. Part-time lawyers typically bill by the project. If you only need help once or twice a year, it makes sense to use a part-time lawyer. A full-time lawyer is best if you need continuous assistance.
Also, you should consider whether to hire a solo practitioner instead of a firm. Solo practitioners tend to charge lower hourly rates, but often lack the resources needed to provide professional representation. Firms offer greater experience and expertise as well as better access to resources.
Also, be sure to consider the costs of malpractice insurance. Some states require professional liability insurance for all lawyers. Others don't. In any case, it is a good idea to check with the state bar association to see if there are any insurers in your area.
Statistics
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for lawyers in 2020 was $126,930. (stfrancislaw.com)
- According to a 2019 Robert Half Legal Consulting Solutions survey, 54% of law firms were planning to expand their legal teams. (stfrancislaw.com)
- A Johns Hopkins study of more than 100 professions found lawyers the most likely to have severe depression—four times more likely than the average person. (rasmussen.edu)
- Just 59.2 percent of 2015 law school grads held full-time, long-term jobs as lawyers 10 months after graduation, according to data from the American Bar Association (ABA). (rasmussen.edu)
- Though the BLS predicts that growth in employment for lawyers will continue at six percent through 2024, that growth may not be enough to provide jobs for all graduating law school students. (rasmussen.edu)
External Links
How To
How can I get free legal help?
It can be difficult to find a pro bono attorney because there are many people who would love your business. There are several options to help you find a probono lawyer. You can contact your local bar association for information, search online to find a list, or consult your state's bar association. Another way to find a pro bono attorney is through a local law school. Many law school students have the opportunity to assist clients with low income to get justice. If none or all of these options appeal, you might be interested in contacting Legal Services Corporation (LSC) to learn more. LSC supports organizations that offer free civil legal assistance for people below the poverty line. It helps low-income families with housing matters, child support enforcement issues, family law matters, consumer protections, bankruptcy, immigration, public benefits, and other legal assistance. LSC assists grantees with financial advice and guidance. Some services include:
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Financial counseling
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Assistance with filing bankruptcy
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Helping families to resolve domestic violence issues
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Representation before administrative authorities
These are some points to remember if you're trying to find a pro-bono attorney but don't know where to begin.
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Don't waste your time trying to find a lawyer who specializes in your case type. Pro bono lawyers may represent many types of clients. They will likely not have any experience dealing with your specific issue.
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It is important to find a lawyer who has represented low-income clients. This is a sign that the lawyer has had experience working with low-income clients.
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Ask your lawyer if he or she has received any training in the area you are concerned. For example, if you're dealing with landlord/tenant issues, ensure the lawyer you choose has experience handling those kinds of cases.
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Find out whether the lawyer is available to take on new clients. You won't find a lawyer who will only accept certain cases.
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Be wary of lawyers who claim to specialize in a specific field of law. Many lawyers will claim to be specialists in one area but not the other.
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Check that the lawyer has a good reputation. Ask for referrals from family members and friends. Find reviews online from clients.