Personal Injury Lawyer Manchester, NH
Personal injury cases typically involve someone inflicting physical harm on another person as a result of careless conduct. The injured party then brings a negligence claim to recover money for the harm inflicted. Auto accident claims are a common example. There are many other kinds of personal injury claims. But however the case arises, the goal is always the same – to provide fair compensation to the injured party.
Unfortunately, insurance companies will try to get injury victims to accept less compensation than they deserve. That is why solid legal representation is so important. John B. Kenison, Jr. is a personal injury lawyer in Manchester, NH. He used to work for insurance companies and he understands how they operate. Contact us today to discuss your case.
Working as a Team to Build Strong Cases
Mr. Kenison has practiced law in New Hampshire since 1988. Our Manchester personal injury law firm has access to private investigators, accident reconstructionists, economic experts, and leading professionals in other fields related to personal injury. With this combined level of experience, we are prepared to handle even the largest and most complex injury cases.
Working together, we can develop a powerful case to present to the insurance adjuster, or, if necessary, to the jury.
One additional team member is vitally important to every personal injury case, and that person is you, the client. We work hand-in-hand with our clients to gather details that may not be available from other sources. For example, a client may have missed a meaningful family event because he or she was recovering from injuries at the time. These types of details can directly impact the size of a damage award.
Clients know better than anyone how an accident has affected their lives. Working together, we can develop a powerful case to present to the insurance adjuster, or, if necessary, to the jury.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Accept
The personal injury attorneys with Kenison Law Office handle all categories of personal injury cases, including:
- Wrongful death: Responsible parties cannot escape liability just because their victims pass away and are not present to assert their own claim. Mr. Kenison obtains justice on behalf the victim’s estate and surviving family.
- Motor vehicle accidents: We help people hurt in collisions involving passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, and recreational vehicles of all types. We can also help those in need of a motorcycle accidents lawyer.
- DUI: Our firm aggressively pursues claims against drivers who cause accidents when DWI (Driving While Intoxicated).
- Medical malpractice: The first rule of medicine is “do no harm.” We hold doctors and hospitals responsible when they act carelessly.
- Defective products: Consumer goods can be dangerous due to poor design, manufacturing errors, or missing safety warnings.
- Animal attacks: Preventable dog bites occur every day. Sadly, victims are often young children. We make sure irresponsible pet owners pay for the harm they cause.
- Slip and fall: Landlords and commercial tenants must take reasonable steps to repair or warn of hidden dangers. As a premises liability lawyer, Mr. Kenison represents people hurt by hazardous property conditions.
- Broken Bones: Even if these injuries do not threaten your life, they can disrupt your life and diminish your quality of life and ability to earn a living.
- Spinal cord injuries: The ramifications of a spine injury can affect you for the rest of your life. We can help you collect the restitution you will need.
- Industrial accidents: Some of the most serious, life-altering injuries our firm deals with occur on construction sites.
- Traumatic brain injury: These significant injuries can have lifelong consequences. We can help you collect the compensation necessary to cope with the results of a traumatic brain injury.
- Intentional torts: Not all personal injury cases are accidents. We bring civil claims on behalf of victims of assault, abuse, and other intentional misconduct.
Every personal injury lawsuit is inherently unique. We are here to answer questions and help determine whether you have a valid claim.
What Is a Statute of Limitations?
A statute of limitations refers to the deadline by which a personal injury victim must file a lawsuit against the responsible party. In New Hampshire, it is generally three years. Even if the statute of limitations is not an immediate concern in your case, you will want to secure legal representation from an experienced Manchester personal injury attorney as soon as possible to protect your right to compensation.
What to Do After a Personal Injury Accident in Manchester, NH?
Accidents can occur pretty quickly, and collisions or serious accidents often leave no opportunity for individuals to react. Traumatic accidents and catastrophic events don’t always leave the same degree of injury in different individuals, as they can cause harm in different ways. Although, when an individual is injured due to another’s negligence, an injured person should take the necessary steps to support their chance of recovering necessary compensation.
Steps to Take After Suffering an Injury in an Accident
Unfortunately, some accidents have severe effects or prove to be fatal for some victims. Car collisions, slip-and-fall accidents, traumatic brain injuries, defective products, and other cases can cause significant harm to those involved. Depending on the nature and severity of an accident, you may have the chance to take the immediate and necessary steps following the event.
Contact Law Enforcement
A significant way to take action after an accident is to inform law enforcement and seek help. Some injuries or accidents may not warrant calling emergency services or notifying the police. Although, when the damage caused to you or your vehicle exceeds a certain threshold, you have the right to seek help and file a police report. Notifying the police and necessary parties helps gather the exact testimony following the accident and provides documented information from the scene. This can be retrieved and added to support your claim later on.
Exchange Information With Parties Involved
If you’ve been involved in a car collision or other type of accident, you’ll want to exchange information with the parties involved. In a car accident, the party responsible will be required to cover the expenses and damages of the injured person due to their negligence. A police report will gather important information from the scene, but you’ll want to make sure you know the parties involved and hold onto their information when exchanged.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
When you’ve been injured after an accident, seeking immediate medical attention may help you get the necessary care and treatment. Regardless of the apparent severity of your accident, short-term and long-term injuries may vary. Typically, the shock and stress you endure after a collision, fall, or traumatic event may affect your initial state. However, bruising, pain, broken bones, swelling, bleeding, and other signs and symptoms should be treated and evaluated immediately after an accident.
Capture Pictures or Video of the Scene and Injuries Sustained
Understandably, there may not be much time or thought about gathering images or recordings immediately after an accident. Although, family members, nearby witnesses, traffic cams, surveillance footage, and other methods of retrieving digital proof can help your case significantly. If you capture any images or recordings of the accident scene that resulted in your injuries, your legal team can add them to support your case. Additionally, a skilled legal team may provide the resources to gather sufficient evidence.
Notify Your Insurance Company and Necessary Parties
Depending on the type of accident you endure, there may be certain parties to notify after the event. In a car collision, you’ll need to make a claim and notify your car insurance company that you have been injured due to the collision. In product liability cases, it’s necessary to notify the manufacturer and any companies involved. Speaking with your legal team can help you determine how to make your claim and what permissions may be granted to necessary parties. Avoid signing unnecessary permissions, statements, or records release forms to parties that may be attempting to gather the information that counters your claim.
Consult With an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Accidents are unpredictable and leave traumatic effects on many individuals. When you have endured injuries and are forced with the difficulties of a personal injury claim, it’s crucial to hire an experienced personal injury attorney that can benefit your case and support your rights. An accident goes beyond physical injuries and can affect injured victims for many years. At Kenison Law Office, our seasoned and experienced injury lawyer in Manchester, NH provides the resources and necessary skills to put the best foot forward when pursuing compensation.
Take the First Step Toward Getting Your Life Back by Contacting Our Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys in Manchester, NH
Medical bills and other expenses begin to pile up immediately following a serious accident. If you are feeling overwhelmed, we understand and we can help. Contact our personal injury law firm today.
Emotional Distress And Your Personal Injury Claim
A trusted Manchester, NH personal injury lawyer from Kenison Law Office, PLLC knows that emotional distress is a commonly cited component of personal injury claims in New Hampshire. When an individual suffers physical harm as a result of someone else’s negligence or recklessness, it is often accompanied by emotional trauma. Emotional distress can manifest in many ways, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Non-Economic Damages
In New Hampshire, the law recognizes emotional distress as a type of non-economic damage. Non-economic damages are those that are difficult to quantify in monetary terms, unlike economic damages such as medical bills and lost wages. Emotional distress may be awarded in addition to economic damages, such as compensation for medical bills and lost wages, as part of a personal injury claim.
Emotional distress can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life, causing disruptions to their relationships, work, and daily routine. It can also result in physical symptoms such as insomnia, headaches, and chronic pain. In addition to the harm caused by the initial injury, emotional distress can continue to affect the victim long after their physical injuries have healed.
How do you get compensation for emotional distress?
To successfully claim emotional distress as part of a personal injury case in New Hampshire, the plaintiff must demonstrate that their distress was caused by the defendant’s negligence or recklessness. This may require evidence such as:
- medical records
- witness statements, and
- expert testimony
The plaintiff must also demonstrate that their emotional distress is severe enough to warrant compensation.
As a Manchester personal injury lawyer knows, in New Hampshire, there is no set amount of compensation for emotional distress. The amount awarded will vary depending on the severity of the emotional trauma, the impact it has had on the plaintiff’s life, and other factors. A skilled personal injury attorney can help the plaintiff determine a fair and reasonable amount of compensation for their emotional distress.
How long do I have to file a claim?
It is worth noting that New Hampshire law has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means that there is a limited amount of time in which the plaintiff must file their claim. In New Hampshire, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the injury. It is important for the plaintiff to file their claim within this time frame to ensure that they are eligible for compensation.
In addition to emotional distress, New Hampshire law also recognizes other types of non-economic damages, such as loss of consortium, which compensates a spouse for the loss of the injured person’s companionship and services. An experienced personal injury attorney can help plaintiffs understand their legal options and pursue the full range of compensation available to them under the law.
Get the Legal Help You Need
If you or a loved one has suffered emotional distress as a result of a personal injury in New Hampshire, it is important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. A skilled lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process and work to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your emotional trauma. With the right support, you can focus on healing and moving forward with your life after a traumatic event. To get help, call Kenison Law Office, PLLC to speak with our Manchester personal injury lawyer today.
If you have endured an injury caused by someone else’s negligence, it is important to consult a Manchester, NH personal injury lawyer. A lawyer from Kenison Law Office, PLLC can help you file a timely claim and protect your rights. Here are some benefits of hiring a lawyer.
- Expertise: Personal injury lawyers have extensive knowledge of personal injury law. They possess in-depth knowledge of the legal system, including statutes, regulations, and case precedents related to personal injury claims. Their expertise ensures that you have a knowledgeable advocate by your side.
- Case Evaluation: A reliable personal injury lawyer begins by conducting a comprehensive evaluation of your case. They analyze the details, review evidence, and assess the potential for legal action. This evaluation helps determine the strength of your claim and the potential compensation you may be entitled to.
- Legal Representation: Personal injury lawyers serve as your legal representatives throughout the entire claims process. They handle all the paperwork, negotiate with insurance companies, and work tirelessly to build a solid case on your behalf. This allows you to focus on your recovery while they navigate the complexities of the legal system.
- Evidence Gathering: To strengthen your case, personal injury lawyers collect crucial evidence such as accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions. This evidence helps establish liability and prove the extent of your injuries, ensuring a fair assessment of your claim.
- Negotiation Skills: Skilled personal injury lawyers also know how to negotiate. They engage with insurance companies and opposing counsel to pursue a favorable settlement. With their negotiation skills, they try to secure the maximum compensation possible, taking into account medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Trial Experience: While most personal injury claims are settled out of court, some cases go to court. A seasoned Manchester personal injury lawyer possesses trial experience and litigation skills to effectively present your case before a judge and jury. Their courtroom expertise ensures that your rights are protected and your case is presented persuasively.
- Client Advocacy: Personal injury lawyers look out for your best interests and serve as your advocates. They provide guidance and support throughout the legal process, answering your questions, addressing concerns, and keeping you informed about the progress of your case. Their commitment to client advocacy fosters a trusting attorney-client relationship.
- Contingency Fee Basis: Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only charge legal fees if they win your case for you. This arrangement eliminates the financial burden of upfront legal costs, making legal representation more accessible to individuals seeking justice.
- Alternative Dispute Resolution: In some cases, personal injury lawyers may explore alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation or arbitration. These processes offer a quicker and less adversarial approach to resolving claims. Lawyers skilled in alternative dispute resolution can guide you through these methods effectively.
If you have been hurt in an accident, schedule a consultation with a Manchester personal injury lawyer from Kenison Law Office, PLLC.
Manchester Personal Injury Infographic
What are the types of damages that can be pursued in a personal injury case?
As a Manchester, NH personal injury lawyer can tell you, victims can expect to recoup many types of damages. These include economic damages, which cover financial losses like medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Calculating economic damages involves evaluating the victim’s medical bills, receipts, and expert opinions to determine the extent of financial losses. Punitive damages, less commonly awarded, aim to punish the defendant for reckless or intentional misconduct. They go beyond compensation and serve as a deterrent against similar behavior in the future.
How is the value of economic damages calculated in a personal injury case?
Economic damages in a personal injury case are calculated by assessing the victim’s measurable financial losses. Medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation, contribute significantly to economic damages. Lost wages, both current and future, are also considered. Other factors include property damage, transportation costs for medical appointments, and expenses for assistive devices or home modifications. Personal injury lawyers gather relevant documentation and consult with experts, such as medical professionals and vocational experts, to estimate the monetary value of these damages. Through this evaluation, victims are more likely to get a fair compensation package that they deserve, as a Manchester personal injury lawyer can explain.
Can I seek compensation for non-economic damages in a personal injury case?
Victims may be able to seek non-economic damages in a personal injury case. Non-economic damages aim to compensate for intangible losses that impact the victim’s life. These can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. Pain and suffering refer to physical and mental anguish, while emotional distress encompasses psychological impacts like anxiety and depression. Loss of enjoyment of life reflects the inability to engage in once-enjoyed activities, and loss of consortium pertains to strain on relationships. Personal injury lawyers assess the severity of these damages, gather supporting evidence, and advocate for appropriate compensation.
What are punitive damages and when can they be awarded in a personal injury case?
In specific types of personal injury cases, there may be punitive damages awarded. They serve to punish the defendant for particularly reckless or intentional misconduct. Unlike other damages that focus on compensation, punitive damages aim to deter similar behavior in the future. These damages go beyond the victim’s losses and are typically awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions demonstrate a wanton disregard for others’ safety or involve malicious intent. Although less commonly awarded, punitive damages hold the responsible party accountable and send a strong message about the unacceptability of their conduct.
How much is the average personal injury settlement worth?
The worth of personal injury settlements can vary significantly and depends on various factors, making it challenging to provide a precise average value. Settlement amounts are determined based on the specific circumstances of each case, including the severity of the injuries, the impact on the victim’s life, liability, available insurance coverage, and the skill of the legal representation. While some settlements may amount to a few thousand dollars, others can reach millions, particularly in cases involving catastrophic injuries. Consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer is crucial to assess the unique aspects of your case and provide a realistic estimation of the potential settlement value you may be eligible to pursue. Consult with a trusted Manchester personal injury lawyer from Kenison Law Office, PLLC now if you want to further assess your case and understand your legal options.
