If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in an accident in Kearney, Nebraska, you deserve compensation for your injuries. Therefore, having a trusted legal partner by your side is best. Steffens Law Offices has over 50 years of legal experience focusing on personal injury cases. Our team of dedicated personal injury attorneys in Kearney provides compassionate advocacy and delivers proven results for our clients.
Table of contents
- Why Choose Steffens Law Offices’ Kearney Personal Injury Lawyers
- What are Personal Injuries
- The Elements of Negligence in Personal Injuries
- How Much is Your Personal Injury Case Worth?
- Where Do Personal Injuries Occur in Kearney
- Fighting the Insurance Company After Suffering a Personal Injury
- What to Do After Suffering a Personal Injury
- Did You Suffer a Personal Injury in Kearney? Contact Steffens Law Offices Today
Why Choose Steffens Law Offices’ Kearney Personal Injury Lawyers
When it comes to your personal injury case, experience matters. Steffens Law Offices brings over five decades of combined legal experience to the table. Our attorneys have successfully handled numerous personal injury cases, helping clients obtain the compensation they deserve.
Not only do we have a track record of success, but we also prioritize compassionate advocacy for our clients. We understand the challenges and frustrations you may face after an accident, and we are here to guide you through the legal process with care and empathy.
Our commitment to excellence has been recognized by 'Best Things Nebraska,' naming us one of the top five best attorneys in Nebraska. We take pride in this accolade and strive to maintain our reputation as trusted legal professionals.
At Steffens Law Offices, we believe in building long-lasting relationships with our clients. We strive to be your trusted partner in any legal challenges you may face. You can rely on us to provide personalized attention and dedicated representation tailored to your needs.
What are Personal Injuries
Personal injuries occur when someone suffers harm due to another party's negligence or intentional actions. These injuries can result from various types of accidents, such as auto accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, and wrongful death cases.
The Elements of Negligence in Personal Injuries
If you have suffered a personal injury due to someone else's negligence, you can seek compensation for your damages. However, to successfully pursue a personal injury claim, you need to understand the elements of negligence. Establishing these elements is necessary to prove that the other party was at fault for your injuries. Let's look at the key elements of negligence in personal injury cases.
- Duty of Care: The first element of negligence is establishing that the defendant owed you a duty of care. This means that the defendant had a legal obligation to act reasonably and avoid causing harm to others. For example, drivers should always drive safely and responsibly, and property owners have a duty to safely maintain their premises.
- Breach of Duty: Once you establish the duty of care, you must prove that the defendant breached that duty. In other words, considering the circumstances, you must show that the defendant failed to act reasonably. This breach of duty can occur through actions or inactions, such as speeding, failing to maintain property, or disregarding safety regulations.
- Causation: The next element to prove is that the defendant's breach of duty directly caused your injuries. You need to demonstrate that you would not have sustained your injuries if it weren't for the defendant's negligence. This can be done through medical records, expert testimony, and other evidence that links the defendant's actions to your harm.
- Damages: Finally, you must establish that you suffered actual damages due to the defendant's negligence. Damages can include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and any other losses you have experienced due to your injuries. These damages must be quantifiable, meaning they have a monetary value assigned to them.
Proving negligence in a personal injury case isn't easy, and it is in your best interest to have one of our experienced Kearney personal injury lawyers on your side. Your attorney will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and work diligently to establish each element of negligence. You can count on them to manage the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Remember, time is of the essence when it comes to personal injury claims. There is a statute of limitations that restricts the amount of time you have to file your claim. Waiting too long can result in losing your right to seek compensation. Contact a trusted personal injury lawyer today at (308) 767-2650 to discuss your case and protect your rights.
Auto Accidents
Auto accidents can cause severe injuries and even loss of life. Whether you were involved in a car, motorcycle, or truck accident, our experienced personal injury attorneys can manage the legal process for you. We will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often have catastrophic consequences due to commercial trucks' sheer size and weight. Truck accidents can be challenging as they require in-depth investigations, and multiple parties may be at fault. Our firm has the skills and resources to represent your interests if you suffer an injury in a truck accident.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can result in devastating injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones. Our attorneys understand the unique challenges faced by motorcycle accident victims and will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and recover the compensation you deserve.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere, from a grocery store to a public sidewalk. Property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises. Suppose you have suffered injuries from a slip and fall accident caused by hazardous conditions. In that case, we can pursue a premises liability claim and seek compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Dog Bites
Dog bites can result in serious injuries, both physically and emotionally. Nebraska has strict liability laws regarding dog bite cases, holding the owner responsible for their pet's actions. Our attorneys can file a dog bite claim on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the financial recovery you deserve.
Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one due to someone else's negligence is an incredibly challenging and emotional experience. If you have lost a family member in a wrongful death incident, our compassionate attorneys are here to support you. We will pursue a wrongful death claim on your behalf, to obtain justice and compensation for your profound loss.
How Much is Your Personal Injury Case Worth?
Determining the value of a personal injury claim is often challenging and depends on various factors. While we cannot provide an exact amount without evaluating the specifics of your case, the following factors generally influence the compensation you may receive:
Severity of Your Injury
The severity of your injury plays a significant role in determining the value of your case. Severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or spinal cord injuries (SCI), usually result in higher compensation due to the long-term impact on your life.
Applicable Insurance Policies
The insurance policies involved in your case can affect the amount of compensation available. We will thoroughly review all applicable insurance policies to fight for the maximum compensation.
Experience of Your Lawyer
The experience and skill of the lawyer you choose to represent you can make a difference in the outcome of your case. The Kearney personal injury attorneys at Steffens Law Offices have the experience to handle even the most complex personal injury cases.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages sometimes punish the responsible party for their negligent or intentional actions. Our attorneys will assess the circumstances of your case to determine if punitive damages may apply.
Punitive damages only apply to cases that resolve through a trial since only a judge or jury can award them. If your case settles out of court, you can still receive other damages, known as compensatory damages, but you won't receive punitive damages.
Where Do Personal Injuries Occur in Kearney
Personal injuries can occur anywhere in Kearney, from busy intersections to public spaces and private properties.
Common locations for personal injuries include:
- Roadways and intersections
- Parking lots and garages
- Retail stores and shopping centers
- Restaurants and bars
- Hotels and motels
- Construction sites
- Parks and recreation areas
No matter where your accident occurred, Steffens Law Offices is here to help. Our attorneys know local laws and regulations and will fight to protect your rights.
Fighting the Insurance Company After Suffering a Personal Injury
Dealing with insurance companies can be a daunting task, particularly when you are already dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial consequences of a personal injury.
What many personal injury victims don't know is that insurance companies focus on minimizing their financial liability, which often means offering inadequate settlements to accident victims.
Don't accept an insurance settlement without first speaking with one of our Kearney personal injury attorneys—no matter how good it seems or how quickly they offer it. Most of the time, they try to get you to settle for much less than your case is worth before you meet with an attorney and learn what it is really worth.
Hire a skilled personal injury attorney to negotiate with insurance companies. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling insurance negotiations and will fight for a fair and just settlement on your behalf. If necessary, we will prepare to take your case to court and litigate to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
What to Do After Suffering a Personal Injury
After suffering a personal injury, take immediate steps to protect your rights and strengthen your case. Here are some steps you should take:
Continue with Necessary Medical Appointments
Your health and recovery should be your top priority. Continue attending all necessary medical appointments and following your doctor's instructions for treatment and rehabilitation. This supports your recovery and provides crucial documentation of your injuries.
Adhere to your Doctor's Instructions
If your doctor advises you to limit or modify your activities, follow their recommendations. Pushing yourself too hard can worsen your condition and potentially harm your case. By following your doctor's advice, you also show the insurance company that you take your injuries seriously and will do what it takes to recover physically.
Preserve Evidence
Preserving evidence is required to build a solid personal injury case. Take photos of your injuries and any property damage. Keep any relevant documents, such as medical records, accident reports, and repair bills. These pieces of evidence will be valuable in supporting your claim.
Get a Copy of Police or Incident Reports
If law enforcement or security personnel responded to your accident, be sure to obtain a copy of the police or incident report. This report may contain important details and witness statements that can strengthen your case.
Keep Detailed Records
Maintain a record of all medical treatments, procedures, and related expenses. Keep track of any other costs incurred due to your injury, such as transportation expenses, home modifications, or lost income. These records will help establish the economic impact of your injury.
Consult a Kearney Personal Injury Attorney
Seeking legal representation is essential when dealing with a personal injury case. Contact Steffens Law Offices for a free consultation to discuss the specifics of your case. Our attorneys will provide personalized guidance and determine the best course of action to recover the compensation you deserve.
Did You Suffer a Personal Injury in Kearney? Contact Steffens Law Offices Today
When you or a loved one suffers a personal injury in Kearney, Steffens Law Offices is here to help. Our experienced attorneys will fight for your rights and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and provide personalized guidance.
Don't navigate the personal injury legal process alone. Contact Steffens Law Offices today at (308) 767-2650 for your free consultation. Our trusted team is standing by to advocate for you in your time of need. Your trusted partner in legal challenges awaits your call.