But I’m Not The Kind of Person Who Sues . . .

“But I’m not the kind of person who sues people.”

I just heard this the other day from a client.

When a person tells me that, I usually reply, “Don’t worry, I am!”  All joking aside, why are people concerned about becoming that kind of person?  I think this stems from a couple of beliefs.

First, there is the mistaken belief that people who do everything right will never need to go to court.  Insurance companies prey on these sorts of people.  When they’re injured in an accident, they contact their insurance company who reinforces that the last thing they should do is find a lawyer to help them.  Because, after all, they’re not “one of those.”

Second, there is the myth of the serial litigator.  The person who either intentionally gets into accidents, or who fabricates them, for the purpose of bringing a lawsuit.  Nobody wants to be associated with that person (reputable lawyers included).

These beliefs play into the hands of unscrupulous or greedy insurance companies.  They want you to believe that asking for what is fair is, somehow, unseemly.  They want you to believe that they have your best interests at heart, and that you don’t need to assert your rights.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Insurance companies are profit-driven entities.  They make greater profits by paying less on claims.  They have no incentive to pay full value and every incentive to reduce amounts paid, nickel and dime repayments and the like.

A reputable lawyer rejects clients with fabricated cases, refuses to represent faux claims.  A reputable lawyer also zealously represents the injured – protecting them from the gauntlet of insurance claims and civil litigation.  You need that advocate on your side.  Insurance companies know the ins and outs of this process.  Hopefully you will never need to learn (or only have to deal with it once).  They have the upper hand, and if you aren’t well represented (or decide you don’t need representation at all), you hand them an additional advantage – one they aren’t entitled to, and at your own expense.

So hire a good lawyer – one respected by their peers, who teaches others, and who, above all, will help you through a difficult process.  Still hesitant?  Give us a call for a free consultation – (414) 306-8999.  We are here to help.