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March 2017 - Robert Littlefield Buford III, Attorney at Law

Don’t Hesitate to Hire an Austin Personal Injury Attorney

Posted by | Personal Injury | No Comments

Many people in Austin are hesitant to contact a lawyer even when they know they have a serious problem. For example, maybe you have been hurt in an accident, but you don’t feel it was bad enough to mention. Perhaps, you are afraid of dealing with fees and insurance. Whatever the case is for being hesitant to hire an Austin personal injury attorney, you will actually find that Robert Littlefield Buford III, Attorney at Law will assuage all of your concerns and help you get the most out of a painful situation.

Will Hiring a Lawyer Only Make Things Worse?

Exacerbating the situation with a lawyer is one of the first reasons people are reluctant to consider legal counsel. Though many cases concerning personal injuries should in fact involve the help of a lawyer (to assist with necessary paperwork and act as a mediator with insurance adjustors), most attorneys offer free consultations where they will encourage you or discourage you from taking legal action, based on the evidence and details of your case. In short, hiring a lawyer in involved personal injury and insurance issues won’t make things worse; it will make your life substantially easier.

The types of personal injuries most common in Austin are those of car accidents or premises/construction liability. These types of personal injury cases are usually very involved, as they deal with belligerent insurance companies who are dedicated to avoiding shelling out for their clients who are clearly at fault of your injuries. They are also particularly difficult because they often involve police reports, and accuracy in these reports is key to receiving a full compensation amount. Different parts of your personal injury can be drawn out, too, making the process especially tedious waiting for replies and dealing with paperwork. As a personal injury attorney in Austin, I specialize specifically in these areas to ensure that you can focus on healing while I fight for compensation for your medical expenses, insurance costs, and pain and suffering.

But Won’t a Lawyer Only Prolong the Process?

This is another popular misconception. Some people think lawyers only want to drag out legal proceedings unnecessarily to satisfy their own egos and wages. The fact is complicated cases, including ones associated with several doctors’ visits, surgeries, and other ongoing medical expenses, take a lot of time, regardless if you are using a lawyer or not. Hiring me as an attorney, however, won’t make the process longer, and in fact, the whole process could be expedited. There is no reason that an attorney should want to prolong your case, as our earnings are largely based on your compensation. We are incentivized to helping you receive the best results in the shortest amount of time. Beyond that, I am also dedicated to providing excellent service and personally believe victims of personal injury accidents need someone on their side, advocating for their cause while they are on the mend.

Can I Really Afford a Lawyer?

Even if you know you need to speak with an attorney, you may still hesitate to contact one because you are worried about the cost. But consider the potential long-term costs if you do not hire a lawyer. Statistics show, however, that even after attorneys are compensated for their work, their clients receive more compensation than they could have received alone. This is because of our working knowledge with the law, and insurance companies know they won’t be able to get out of paying you what is due.

The truth is you have as much better chance of succeeding and getting the care you deserve when you hire me as your attorney. I you live in the Austin area and need assistance from an experienced Texas personal injury lawyer, contact the office of Robert Littlefield Buford III, Attorney at law, today.

Top 5 Reasons for Hiring a Wrongful Death Attorney

Posted by | Personal Injury, Wrongful Death | No Comments

Losing a loved one is always a traumatic experience regardless of the cause. But when death is the result of someone else’s negligence, you are understandably hurt and angry. It can be a lot to process and there is no reason to deal with the situation alone. Working with an Austin wrongful death attorney can help you and your family begin to heal and move on.

While contemplating a lawsuit may not be the first thing on your mind, there are in fact several good reasons to engage an attorney as soon as possible.

1. You Have the Right to Know the Whole Truth

It is not always clear exactly what caused a loved one’s death. And the responsible parties are not always forthcoming. For example, if a patient dies due to apparent medical malpractice, the hospital and the doctors will quickly move to circle the wagons. The grieving family members are unlikely to get a straight answer.

This is where having an attorney is critical. It may be necessary to hire outside investigators and experts to review all of the available evidence to determine exactly what happened to the deceased. An experienced wrongful death lawyer knows how to manage these types of investigations and make sure the family learns the truth.

2. Criminal Law Is Not Sufficient

Not all negligence involves criminal activity. The police typically do not arrest a doctor who commits malpractice that results in a patient’s death. And even where there is criminal act involved–such as drunk driving–prosecutors are tasked with protecting the public at-large, not seeking compensation for individual victims.

In contrast, wrongful death is a civil matter. The standard of proof is much lower than in a criminal case. When the police are unable or unwilling to charge a responsible party, a wrongful death may be the only way a family can receive any justice.

3. You Need to Protect Your Family’s Financial Future

Some people dismiss wrongful death lawsuits as a shameless grab for cash. But the reality is a sudden, unexpected death can financially devastate a family. If the deceased was the primary wage earner, the surviving spouse and children may not have sufficient income to make ends meet. There are also costs related to the death itself, such as funeral and medical bills, which can run tens of thousands of dollars.

By filing a wrongful death claim, the family can seek compensation not only for these expenses but also lost income and even the loss of the potential inheritance the victim would have provided had he or she continued to work and save.

4. You Should Not Deal With Insurance Companies Alone

In many cases the negligent party has insurance that will cover a wrongful death judgment. Insurance companies are pros when it comes to exploiting a family’s financial desperation. Many times they will present a quick offer to settle and preempt a potential lawsuit. Such offers are usually not enough to compensate the family for the full value of their economic losses.

An experienced wrongful death attorney knows to handle the insurance companies. Oftentimes, an attorney can still reach a negotiated settlement–but one that is far more reasonable and fair to the victim’s family. Simply hiring an attorney sends a message to the insurance company that you are serious and will not be ignored.

5. Time Is of the Essence

In Texas there is a two-year statute of limitations to file a wrongful death lawsuit. That may seem like a lot of time, but consider how long it may take to investigate the cause of death, negotiate with the insurance company, and deal with the other consequences of a family member’s death. Also consider the longer you wait to start the process, the more likely important evidence will be lost or destroyed.

Contact An Austin Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

The most important thing any lawyer can offer a grieving family is the promise to zealously fight for their interests. If you have lost a loved one due to negligence, you do not have to deal with the aftermath alone. Contact the office of Robert Littlefield Buford III, Attorney at Law, to schedule a consultation with a qualified Texas wrongful death attorney today.