When you think of a public service, you likely think of services provided by the government such as electricity or gas. You may even think about nonprofits and other companies that provide free and helpful services such as a food drive or a business providing free flu shots.
An attorney is probably the last thing on your mind when you think about public service.
The word “attorney” probably brings to mind people in suits, fighting cases, collecting case fees, charging hundreds of dollars per hour for consultations, and working just to get another win under their belts.
Television shows have perpetuated these conceptions, which often deter those who have suffered an injury from hiring an attorney because they feel they won’t be able to afford one.
In reality, personal injury lawyers provide a valuable public service, and can offer affordable help for your injury case.
The Definition of a Public Service
Merriam-Webster defines a public service as a service rendered in the public interest.
By definition, then, public services are for the good of everyone.
Those who provide public services care deeply about those they serve and aim to use their knowledge, resources, and expertise in ways that help the common good.
Such services are often rendered by the government or nonprofit organizations that have the greater good in mind.
It might seem strange that an attorney providing services for your personal injury case could be classified in this category. But considering the physical impact of an injury, along with the economic and emotional consequences to your daily life, you may start to see things differently.
The Impact of a Personal Injury
Being injured can have serious repercussions to your quality of life.
Medical bills can begin to pile up. You may be out of work for some time and suffer lost wages. To make matters worse, you may be responsible for payments until a settlement or verdict can be reached on your claim.
It may be harder for you to get around, making it difficult to get groceries, go to the mailbox, or even to maneuver around your house.
On top of all this, you may be experiencing the emotional effects of an accident, which can result in further stress and trauma.
You will need to work to prove that the other party was at fault, navigate the inner workings of a personal injury case, and try to get a fair settlement in the end.
But how do you prove fault?
What are the steps of a case, and how do you get through each one?
And what is considered a fair settlement for your situation?
Fighting Insurance Companies
When you have an injury that was the fault of another party, insurance companies will be involved.
The at-fault party has insurance to help cover them in case they have a negligent action that causes injury.
This can be in the form of auto insurance medical payment coverage, medical payments through homeowner’s insurance, etc.
Having insurance available to make payments is a good thing. So you are covered, right?
Sort of.
While insurance is there to make sure you will be able to recover compensation for your injury, it doesn’t always mean that your settlement will be fair.
The insurance company is just that: a company.
They operate with a bottom line and work to make a profit. It is the job of their team of lawyers to make sure you get the lowest settlement amount. This helps the company retain higher profits, and the settlement closes the case to further litigation, freeing them from paying out any future damages.
This may not seem fair, but it’s the nature of the business.
That is why personal injury lawyers are there to help you navigate your case and fight to get a fair settlement for your injury.
But can you afford an attorney to help you?
That’s where the public service aspect of personal injury attorneys comes into play.
A No-Cost Upfront Public Service
In most cases, personal injury attorneys will only charge you attorney fees if you win your case.
What does that mean for you?
It means that you get a free consultation to talk about your claim, and even if your case goes to trial, you still don’t pay an attorney fee unless you win.
At VanDerGinst Law we take it a step further. We offer a no-cost retainer so you don’t have to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for costs such as obtaining copies of records, filing fees, expert costs, and more. All costs are advanced until your case is won or settled, or you don’t pay a dime.
Even with a policy of “no attorney fees unless you win,” other personal injury firms may still charge for these types of expenses along the way.
We care about you and your story, and we want to be able to help you through this difficult time. That means you shouldn’t have to pay unless you get a fair compensation that truly reflects your damages.
Working to Maximize Your Settlement
We will be working for you to make sure you get the best settlement possible for your claim, all while advancing your costs.
We take the worry off of you as we research your case and negotiate with the insurance company, providing proof of damages so they won’t get out by paying the lowest amount possible.
Because personal injury attorneys fight so hard for your case, it has been found that having an attorney on your side provides a 3.5 times higher average settlement than if you were to represent yourself, or if you take the initial amount that the insurance company offered.
That’s why it’s important to have an attorney on your side, and especially a law firm that only represents individuals like you.
VanDerGinst Law Only Works For You
Some personal injury firms not only work for injured people–they also work for insurance companies, big business, and manufacturers.
If you truly provide a service that is for the public good, we believe that you can’t serve two masters.
At VanDerGinst Law, we only represent injured people, and never represent big business or insurance companies. We are able to get you the best settlement without worrying about a bottom line provided by the opposing side.
No conflicts of interest. Just a genuine drive to get the best compensation for you. It is our firm belief that this is the only moral way to operate.
Do You Need a Lawyer For Your Case? Learn More.
Contact VanDerGinst Law Today
We are ready to do our public service and fight for your injury case.
Our lawyers have successfully handled tens of thousands of personal injury cases. We know the insurance companies’ tactics and how to negotiate with them.
Most of all, we want to hear your story and help you get fair compensation without worrying about upfront costs.
If you would like to tell us your story, you can request a free consultation, or call us at 800-797-5391.
The information contained on this website is presented by VanDerGinst Law P.C. It is not intended nor should it be construed as professional legal advice. The information is general in nature about the Firm, the scope of services we offer, and our community outreach, it is not legal advice. Please contact us by phone, email, mail, or via this website for inquiries. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please contact a personal injury attorney for a consultation regarding your situation. This website is not intended to solicit clients outside the State of Iowa and/or the State of Illinois.