A personal injury claim is a civil legal process where an individual who has suffered physical harm, emotional harm, or property damage due to someone else’s negligence or intentional actions seeks compensation for their losses. This compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

Personal injury law is a branch of tort law. In tort actions, you can seek compensation from the responsible party as a private plaintiff. This is different from criminal actions, in which the government prosecutes the responsible party. Sometimes, the same circumstances, like an assault, can be grounds for both a tort and a criminal case.

If you have been injured in an accident that was not your fault, you may be eligible for compensation through an insurance claim or a lawsuit. If you have found yourself in this situation, it is important to act quickly, because the clock on your claim starts ticking as soon as the injury occurs. When time is of the essence and your compensation is at stake, you need an experienced and knowledgeable attorney in your state. At Messier Massad Burdick & Assoc. LLC, we understand that an injury or an accident is a stressful experience. We also know the insurance claim process can be complicated and frustrating to navigate. Our expert attorneys are here to explain the process and help you navigate the legal system with confidence. We handle all communications with insurance representatives so that you can focus your time and energy on what matters most—restoring your health and wellness.

Our team of knowledgeable attorneys at Messier, Massad, Burdick & Assoc. LLC can advise you on all aspects of personal injury law, including by preparing and filing your claim, negotiating with the insurance company, and representing you in court.

Available to Represent You on Personal Injury Claims

At Messier, Massad, Burdick & Assoc. LLC, our experienced attorneys handle a wide range of personal injury claims, including:

  • Car accidents
  • Truck accidents
  • Slip and falls
  • Premises liability
  • Defective products
  • Dog bites and animal attacks
  • Construction site accidents
  • Workers’ compensation
  • Medical malpractice
  • Nursing home abuse
  • Wrongful death

We’ll take the time to listen to your story and understand your needs in order to provide you with the highly personalized, client-centric legal services we are known for.

Do You Need a Lawyer for Your Personal Injury Claim?

Personal injury law is complicated. In some cases, such as truck accident claims, there may be multiple liable parties, overlapping insurance coverages, and complex industry regulations. You may be missing compensation opportunities if you navigate this system on your own.

What’s more, the insurance company isn’t likely to give you a generous settlement without putting up a fight. Insurers will often do everything they can to reduce your payout or avoid making one altogether, including delaying, undervaluing, underpaying, or denying your claim outright.

The experienced Connecticut and Rhode Island personal injury attorneys at Messier, Massad, Burdick & Assoc. LLC can protect your rights and look out for your interests against the insurance company. Some of the ways in which we can support your claim include:

  • Thoroughly investigating your case
  • Gathering supporting evidence
  • Securing eyewitness and expert testimony
  • Identifying all potentially liable parties
  • Preparing and filing your claim
  • Taking care of all necessary paperwork
  • Ensuring that you don’t miss important deadlines
  • Negotiating with the insurance company
  • Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court, if needed

How Much Compensation Is Available in a Personal Injury Claim?

In Connecticut and Rhode Island, state law allows you to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses from an accident. Damages you may be able to claim include:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Past and future lost income
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disfigurement or disability
  • Loss of intimacy with loved ones
  • Property damage, such as the cost of repair or replacement of your car

In serious accidents involving intentional or particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available. The purpose of punitive damages, in general, is to punish the wrongdoer and prevent similar conduct in the future. Note that punitive damages are not available in wrongful death cases in Rhode Island.

Insurance companies won’t always tell you the full benefits you are entitled to. An experienced Connecticut or Rhode Island personal injury attorney can review your case and explain what compensation you may be eligible for and how much.

Why Choose Us as Your Personal Injury Attorneys?

The attorneys at the firm of Messier, Massad, Burdick & Assoc. LLC have decades of combined experience fighting for the rights of the injured in Connecticut and Rhode Island.
We believe that you shouldn’t have to face the insurance companies and their teams of adjusters and defense attorneys alone. Insurance adjusters have one main job: to help the insurance carrier avoid liability or, at the very least, minimize your payout. Inexperienced claimants often fall prey to their tactics, such as pressuring you to settle early, accept a lowball offer, or not hire legal representation.

You’ve been through a lot as it is—your focus now should be on your recovery, not on handling mountains of paperwork and spending hours on the phone with insurance representatives. That’s the job of your personal injury attorney team.

Let us take care of the legal legwork and negotiate with the insurance company while you catch a much-needed break. Our experienced Connecticut and Rhode Island personal injury attorneys can go over your legal options, help you navigate the system, and guide you at every step of the process.

Messier, Massad, Burdick & Assoc. LLC has offices in New London, CT, and East Greenwich, RI, and provides legal services to clients in both states. Call 860-443-7014 (CT) or 401-385-3877 (RI) to tell us about your case and schedule a consultation with a Rhode Island or Connecticut personal injury attorney from our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I'm injured in an accident?

If you’re injured in an accident, it is crucial to prioritize your health and safety first. Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. If possible, gather evidence at the accident scene, such as photographs, witness statements, and contact information. Report the incident to the appropriate authorities and notify your insurance company. Finally, consult with our office as soon as possible to understand your legal rights and options.

What is a personal injury claim?

A personal injury claim is a legal process where an individual who has suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm due to someone else’s negligence or intentional actions seeks compensation for their losses. This compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

How do I know if I have a valid personal injury claim?

The validity and value of a personal injury claim depends upon several factors, such as negligence, duty of care, and damages. Personal injury cases usually require you to prove that the other party acted negligently or had a duty of care to act responsibly and failed to do so, causing your injuries. Drivers, property owners, and people in general are under a duty to act responsibly toward others and avoid putting them at risk. Failure to act responsibly, such as by driving while distracted or failing to maintain a safe property, may amount to negligence. It is best to consult with a personal injury lawyer who can evaluate your case based on the specific circumstances and applicable laws to provide you with proper guidance. If you feel you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, it is important to act promptly. When you contact our office we can provide you with an intake review and guidance as to the next steps of the process.

What can I recover in a personal injury claim?

In Connecticut and Rhode Island, state law allows you to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses from an accident. Damages you may be able to claim include:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Past and future lost income
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disfigurement or disability
  • Loss of intimacy with loved ones
  • Property damage, such as the cost of repair or replacement of your car

In serious accidents involving intentional or particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available. The purpose of punitive damages, in general, is to punish the wrongdoer and prevent similar conduct in the future. Insurance companies won’t always tell you the full benefits you are entitled to. Our attorneys can review your case and explain what compensation you may be eligible for.

How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?

At Messier, Massad, Burdick & Assoc. LLC we handle personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if and when we successfully recover compensation for you. Typically, our attorney’s fee is a percentage of the settlement or award you receive. We can discuss the fee structure during your initial consultation to ensure you have a clear understanding of the costs involved.

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit?

The time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit is known as the statute of limitations, which varies by jurisdiction and the type of injury. It is crucial to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the prescribed time limit. Delaying filing beyond the statute of limitations may result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.

How long does a personal injury case take to resolve?

The duration of a personal injury case varies depending on various factors, including the complexity of the case, the extent of injuries and treatment, the cooperation of involved parties, and the court’s schedule. Some cases may settle through negotiation or alternative dispute resolution methods, while others may require litigation and trial processes. Your personal injury team at Messier, Massad, Burdick & Assoc. LLC can provide an estimated timeline based on the specific details of your case.

Personal Injury Attorneys

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