Personal Injury Lawyer Washington DC

personal injury lawyer Washington DC

If your personal injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, it may be in your best interest to speak to a personal injury lawyer in Washington, DC at The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. Your injuries have likely affected your life in several ways, and you deserve justice. An experienced member of our team can help you obtain compensation for your injuries.

There are countless ways people find themselves with an injury. Some are caused by car accidents. Others by slip and falls, or even medical malpractice. Regardless of the cause of your personal injury, you deserve to get better. And since you didn’t cause your injuries, you shouldn’t be responsible for the costs to get better.

What Is a Personal Injury Case?

A personal injury case arises when one person fails to exercise reasonable care toward another person, and that breach of duty results in injuries. For example, if you were in a car accident in which the other driver was speeding or talking on a cellphone, you may have a right to sue that person for the damages that you suffered. Other types of personal injury cases involve slip and fall incidents, medical malpractice and dog bites.

What Evidence Do I Need to Provide?

To increase your chances of winning your personal injury lawsuit, you must provide your personal injury lawyer with sufficient evidence. Here are the types of evidence that may help your lawyer at The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. win your case:

  • Police Report: If you suffered an injury during a car accident, it’s important to obtain a copy of the police report. This report may contain important details about the accident, such as who was at fault.
  • Physical Evidence: Physical evidence can play a big part in proving that your injuries resulted from another person’s negligence. For example, if you were involved in a car accident, a dent in your car can show where it was hit. If there is blood on your clothes, it may show that the injuries you suffered are serious.
  • Photos: Clear photos can also prove that the accident did take place, and caused your injuries. For instance, if you slipped and fell on ice in front of someone else’s property, take photos of the sidewalk to show that the owner of the property didn’t put salt on the ice.

What Evidence Do I Need to Provide? Infographic

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Common Causes of Injuries

Injuries can be the result of many different causes. These include:

  • Car accident
  • Scooter accident
  • Slip and fall
  • Medical malpractice
  • Construction accident

This list is not exhaustive. There are countless causes for your injuries. And if you’ve been injured, you could be facing serious medical bills and a long recovery. To help you get better and to help make sure you don’t pay out of pocket for your expenses, you need to speak with a skilled member of our team today.

Steps to Take After Your Injury

After you’re injured, what happens next can help determine how much you can recover. 

  • Call 911 – Even if you don’t think your injuries are severe, it’s a smart decision to make sure you are healthy. Besides that, being seen by medical personnel immediately after your accident can help make sure your injuries are documented.
  • Take pictures – As long as it’s safe to do so, taking pictures can help make sure your personal injury lawyer has a full image of your accident. Make sure to take pictures of the accident scene but also take pictures of your injuries.
  • Don’t speak to an insurance company – Insurance companies are in the business of making money. They do that by not paying out claims. If you speak with them and don’t first speak to a seasoned personal injury lawyer, you might say something that gives the insurance company a reason to deny your claim.
  • Contact our firm today – As your law office, we can aggressively fight to make sure you get the compensation you deserve so you can make a full and complete recovery.

Damages to Fight For

No matter the cause of your injuries, you deserve to have compensation to help you make a full and complete recovery. When you work with The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., we can actively fight to get you compensation for:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Medical bills
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of companionship

When you’re injured through no fault of your own, your last worry should be how you’re going to pay your bills. Your only worry should be getting better. You do that by making sure you get the compensation you deserve to get better.

Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

While some people choose to handle their personal injury cases without a lawyer, it may not be recommended. Getting into any kind of accident can be life-changing. Even if you can heal after your accident, you may still be stuck with hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills. On the other hand, you might be completely unable to heal physically from your personal injury accident and this can result in an inability to work your regular job or an inability to take care of your family.

When this is the case, people often wonder if it is best to hire a lawyer or if they should go ahead and file a claim on their own. Here are a few benefits of hiring our law firm instead: 

  • A Lawyer Knows How Much Your Claim Is Worth: A lawyer can determine the approximate value of your personal injury claim, and may help you obtain a higher settlement amount.
  • A Lawyer Understands the Legal Process: The legal procedures involved in filing a lawsuit can get complicated. An experienced lawyer knows the ins and outs of the legal process, including which documents have to be filed, and the statutes of limitations for your claim. A lawyer can advocate for you and this can save you a great deal of time.
  • A Lawyer Is Motivated to Help You Win: Most lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means he or she only gets paid if you win your case. This may motivate your lawyer to fight hard to get you the highest settlement possible.
  • A Lawyer Negotiates with Insurance Adjusters: Personal injury claims can, at the least, be a headache. The phrase “anything you say can and will be used against you” also applies here, and if you say you are fine after an accident or your injury is not so bad, an insurance adjuster can use this against you. A lawyer for personal injury in Washington can speak to an adjuster and negotiate on your behalf, likely resulting in standing on firmer ground and knowing if an insurance adjuster offers you a fair settlement.
  • A Lawyer Knows Other Professionals: Especially with personal injury cases, you may need the help of other professionals to determine if your settlement is fair or to further strengthen your case. Many law firms can get the help needed from other professionals to build you a proper claim.
  • A Lawyer Knows Settlements Don’t Always Work: You may have high hopes that your settlement will be accepted, but insurance adjusters are never out to give you everything you have asked for. When this is the case, a lawyer can steer you in the right direction of an alternative resolution, such as mediation or arbitration.
  • A Lawyer Brings Objectivity To the Table: Working on a personal injury claim for yourself only adds more stress in a time where you are likely in pain and perhaps still angry after an accident. A lawyer can ensure all decisions you make for your claim are rational and the best options for your situation.
  • A Lawyer Will Fight For You At Trial: Unfortunately, if you do not see eye-to-eye with the insurance company on a settlement offer and further methods of resolution have not worked, one of our lawyers can represent you in court. This can give you the best possible option when facing the defendant, a jury, and a judge.

Contact us Today

As your Washington, DC personal injury lawyer, we can meet with you as often as necessary to help you feel comfortable with the process ahead. We’ll investigate, speak with witnesses, review medical records, and negotiate with insurance companies. We do all of this at no cost to you. We only get paid if you win and we only take cases we plan on winning.

Personal injury claims can become complicated quickly. Don’t attempt to take on this case without the help of a qualified team. If you are still looking for a personal injury lawyer, then contact The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. 

Soft Tissue Injuries

As a lawyer can attest, damage to the muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues are among the most common types of personal injuries. They often occur as the result of motor vehicle accidents, slips and falls, during sports or recreational activities, or as the result of overuse on the job. While these injuries often involve less aggressive medical treatments, the fact is they take up to a year or more to heal and can end up resulting in permanent disabilities. 

Have You Been Diagnosed with Soft Tissue Injuries?

The term ‘soft tissues’ refers to the various muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues that surround the bones and joints throughout the body. Even an otherwise minor accident can result in pain, swelling, and limited movement in the body part affected. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), there are three common types of soft tissue injuries:

  • Sprains: Stretching or tearing of the ligaments, which connect bones while stabilizing and supporting joints. Often occurs in the knees, ankles, or wrists.
  • Strains: Stretching or tearing of the muscles or tendons, which connect muscles to bones. Often occurs in the feet, legs, or back.
  • Contusions/Bruising: Resulting from blows which cause blood to pool under the skin. Can end up causing permanent damage to underlying soft tissues.

Other than surgical treatment to repair tears, soft tissue injuries are often treated with anti-inflammatory medications, heat or ice to the affected area, and rest. Returning to normal activities within weeks of a soft tissue injury does not allow the proper time needed to heal. A personal injury lawyer can help ensure that any of the losses you suffer while this healing takes place is compensated. 

Healing Time for Soft Tissue Injuries

There have been numerous studies showing that soft tissue injuries actually take far longer than the standard four to six weeks recovery time. In fact, these injuries can take up to a year to heal, and not caring for them properly can end up resulting in lasting disabilities. Healing typically comes in three stages: 

  • Acute inflammation, which typically lasts 72 hours. It may take several days for inflammation to begin, which is why patients may feel worse in the week after an accident than they did immediately after it occurred.
  • Regeneration, which typically lasts six to eight weeks. The tissues do not heal over this time, but rather regenerate in areas where tears or stretching occurs.
  • Remodeling, which typically occurs within six to twelve months after a soft tissue injury, as muscles and tendons regain strength and alignment.

If any of these stages are disrupted, it pushes the healing process back. It is typically only after the remodeling period that any permanent or ongoing issues become apparent. 

Other Types of Personal Injuries

A personal injury lawyer has seen numerous different types of injuries through their careers. These injuries range from mild cuts and bruises to severe injuries like brain damage and spinal cord injuries. If you have been involved in an accident and have received injuries then getting checked out by a doctor as soon as possible is pivotal. The doctor can inform you of any damage that has taken place to your body and put you on a rehabilitation plan. 

Once you’re aware of your injuries and believe you have a case, then it’s time to consult with The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. Our lawyers understand the different types of injuries involved in these cases and can help you to secure the damages and compensation you deserve for this harmful predicament. Some examples of different Injuries we can assist with include:

  • Brain Injuries – These injuries do not always present themselves as severe straight away. Instead, they can present themselves more over time with different effects. Your doctor will be able to explain more about these injuries, while your lawyer can fight for even higher compensation for a severe injury like this.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries – A spinal cord injury is a serious injury. This can leave people with motor skill damage and even paralysis. If you believe you have a spinal cord injury, then get checked out by your doctor immediately when you suspect this. Follow up later on with your personal injury lawyer to fight for your damages and compensation. 
  • Disfigurement – In some accidents and personal injury cases it may be apparent that a burn injury may never quite heal. Another example of disfigurement could see an amputation needing to take place leaving the patient with a variety of different issues. Having a strong lawyer on your side to hold those accountable for the causes of these injuries is especially important. Lost wages from work, pain and suffering, and more could all be the reality for these types of injuries. 

If you have been injured severely in an accident, then seek the help of a personal injury lawyer from The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. will help you out immensely. Our lawyers have the understanding, skills, experience, and knowledge to build a top strategy for your case. We will fight to help you receive the compensation and damages that you deserve. Consult with us now if you have been injured severely and need legal counsel.

How Do Doctors Treat Spinal Cord Injuries and Brain Injuries?

After a personal injury, it makes sense to have a doctor look you over. The harm suffered and treatment administered affect a personal injury case. Either a physician or a personal injury lawyer could suspect you display symptoms of a brain or spinal cord injury. The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. wants to help you explore and understand your treatment options. 

Spinal Cord Injuries

The medical technology necessary to reverse spinal cord injuries does not exist, but prescriptions and prostheses aid in nerve cell regeneration and nerve functionality. During the early stages of a spinal cord injury, physicians concentrate on keeping the neck still to avoid further damage, helping the patient breathe and preventing shock. Spinal cord injury patients should expect to stay in an intensive care unit.

Ways to keep spinal cord injury patients immobile include braces and soft neck collars. Medical professionals used to administer IV medications, such as methylprednisolone, to spinal injury patients. This treatment strategy could cause pneumonia, blood clots and other side effects, which is why the medical community no longer recommends it.

A personal injury lawyer may also share surgical treatment options with spinal cord injury clients. Doctors may suggest a medical surgery to remove foreign objects, fractured vertebrae or bone fragments. Other than removal, patients could undergo surgery to keep the spine stable enough to prevent deformity or pain.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Treatment options for brain injuries depend on injury severity. A patient with a mild injury may not need treatment other than rest and over-the-counter pain meds. Even with a mild brain injury, patients should have someone watch over them for signs of worsening or new symptoms.

Mild injuries may require follow-up doctor appointments so patients know when they can return to their usual daily routine. The first few days after a diagnosis, patients should take it easy on cognitive and physical activities, as they could worsen a brain injury. Patients must make sure they scale back on such activities, not refrain from them entirely. Those with moderate-to-severe brain injuries require emergency medical care to ensure they get enough oxygen and blood.

A personal injury lawyer could share stories about moderate-to-severe TBI patients who require medication. Because patients may experience seizures the first week after their injury, they may take anti-seizure medications. These prescriptions help limit further brain damage. To minimize fluid in tissues and boost urine production, medical care professionals could suggest diuretics. 

Another benefit of the medication is it eases pressure inside the brain.

Sometimes, doctors recommend putting a brain injury patient into a temporary coma to minimize the amount of oxygen the brain needs to function. Increased brain pressure may squeeze blood vessels, which could constrict the nutrients and oxygen flowing to the brain.

Spinal cord and brain injuries can change a personal injury victim’s life forever. A personal injury lawyer from our law firm may help injured parties protect their rights and receive compensation to pay for brain and spinal cord injury treatments. 

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Today for Help

If you suffer a soft tissue injury in an accident, it is important not to underestimate the potential impacts it could have on your future health and wellbeing. Before accepting any settlement that may be far less than what you will eventually need to recover, reach out and contact The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. to request a consultation with our experienced personal injury lawyer clients trust. 

When Should I File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

When you’re injured in an accident, you might consider filing a lawsuit against the individual who caused your injury and you’ll want to consult a personal injury lawyer before doing so. While this is often a great way to get compensation, you have to get moving on the process as soon as you can. Each state has a statute of limitations that outlines the amount of time someone has to file a lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, you could forfeit your right to compensation. 

What Is the Personal Injury Statute of Limitations?

The statute of limitations is regulated by the state, so your time limit will depend on the state in which you live. Keep in mind that some states are drastically different, so you don’t want to be clueless. For example, residents of New Hampshire have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. If someone living in New Hampshire confused the statute of limitations with the six-year statute in neighboring Maine, that individual could lose out on compensation. For specific regulations that apply in Washington, DC, talk to our experienced personal injury lawyers at Brynn Law. 

It’s especially important to gather all evidence, paperwork, and other documents that need processing as soon as possible. While the statute of limitations may seem like a long time, time can quickly move by. Your lawyer can greatly assist with these different tasks required for submitting your case on time. It’s always best to have extra time on a case of this magnitude rather than waiting until the last minute. Waiting too long could see the statute of limitations pass and subsequently your case tossed out as well.

How Soon Should I Get Started?

You don’t want to wait too long to get started with your case. Even if you live somewhere like Utah where the statute of limitations for personal injury is four years, you’ll need that time to work with your lawyer on collecting evidence and putting your case together. You should get started as soon as possible. This means that as soon as you have dealt with your immediate health issues, you should contact a personal injury lawyer to at least have a discussion about your case.

Is Insurance the Same?

Filing an insurance claim is a bit different, so it’s important to try and understand how to do so. In most cases, you are encouraged to file your insurance claim “as soon as possible.” Every insurance provider has different guidelines, but it’s possible you will only have a few weeks to get your claim filed. It is imperative to keep track of important deadlines such as these so that you can retrieve the most compensation for your claim. 

Can I Get the Statute of Limitations Extended?

There are some courts that will extend the statute of limitations for certain situations, but it is rare and limited. For example, if your accident results in an injury that puts you in a coma, you won’t have the capacity to file a lawsuit. When you wake up from your coma and a doctor determines you are competent, the statute of limitations would probably begin. If you have questions about these specific exceptions or situations, you can talk to one of our personal injury lawyers at Brynn Law for more details.

How To Negotiate With an Auto Insurance Company After an Accident

The aftermath of a car accident can be devastating. Between medical visits, auto shop visits and trying to piece your life back together, the last thing that you want to do is think about talking to insurance companies. Unfortunately, discussing your claim with the insurance company is a necessity. If the other driver was at fault, then your compensation will come from the insurance company. If you have never negotiated with an insurance company before, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure how to handle it. Here are our four tips for handling negotiations.

Initiate the Claim

Once you’re able to take a breath and return home after an accident, you should call your insurance company right away. You want to initiate the claim as quickly as possible. The quicker you contact, the more likely you will have vivid details for the company and the more accurate your settlement will be.

When you initiate the claim, make sure that you have all of the records for the accident. For example, you need to hang onto all medical records, auto shop bills and police reports. These documents are going to be critical in negotiation.

Do Not Accept the Offer

If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, be careful what you say. If you say too much, the agent may try to use your words against your case. You do not want to apologize or take any blame for it. If the insurer comes up with a number before hiring a lawyer, you shouldn’t accept the deal right away. Instead, meet with a lawyer and discuss the settlement option.

Submit a Counteroffer

You do not have to accept the first offer. You can offer a counteroffer to the insurance company. Your lawyer will calculate a fair settlement based on your bills, pain and suffering and how the accident affected your life. If he or she suggests that you submit a counteroffer, follow his or her direction on the price to ask for. If the insurance company doesn’t accept it, he or she may send another offer or you will have to take the case to court.

Setting up a consultation with a car accident lawyer may be one of the best decisions that you make throughout your car accident claim. A lawyer will handle your negotiations and guide you in the right direction to ensure that you do not make any mistakes with the settlement that you accept. Call a lawyer to set up your meeting as soon as possible.

Personal Injury Law Firm Statistics

According to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, there were 40 traffic fatalities in Washington D.C. in 2021. This is more than any previous year back through 2014 and up 8% from 2020. As tough as it can be to think about, if you or a loved one have been involved in an accident, it’s wise to discuss your case with an attorney.

How To Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer

Ask for Referrals

One of the best ways to judge the effectiveness of a personal injury lawyer in Washington DC is to talk to the people who have used that lawyer’s services. Ask detailed questions about the process of working with the attorney, how good the communication was, whether they were satisfied with the outcome of their case and if the case went to court, how they thought their attorney handled the case.

Create a List Of What’s Important To You

A personal injury lawyer in Washington DC that worked out well for another client may not work as well for you. Make a list of your most important qualifications. For example, if you don’t have the money to pay for upfront fees, it may be important to choose a lawyer who works on a contingency-fee-basis. How much experience and success the attorney you are considering has with the particular type of injury you have may also be an important factor.

Make a List of Potential Candidates

Once you have created your list of what you are looking for in an attorney. Make a list of all the attornies in your area who meet your minimum criteria. Choose the top few that you are most interested in working with and schedule an appointment for a consultation. 

Meet With More Than One Attorney

We hope that you will leave your consultation with The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn P.C. believing that our firm is the best choice for your case. However, we also feel confidant that after you talk to the competition, you will be even more sure that we are the best choice. Exploring your options will help you feel more confident in your final decision.

Research Online

Fortunately, most people don’t need a personal injury attorney very often, so it may be difficult to find people you know who have worked with The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn P.C. However, you can find testimonials from our past clients on the internet.

Review Each Firm’s Credentials and Track Record

At a minimum, the lawyer you choose should be licensed to practice law in your state. You may also want to ask about where the lawyers you are considering attended law school and any additional education they have pursued that is relevant to your specific case. Ask about their success rate with similar cases. A lawyer who has a good track record winning cases like yours is a better choice than one who rarely wins or has very few similar cases to draw on.

Washington DC Personal Injury Laws

Navigating The Legal Landscape In The Capital

When an unforeseen injury strikes in the bustling streets of the nation’s capital, understanding the legal intricacies that govern personal injury claims becomes paramount. A Washington DC personal injury lawyer becomes your torchbearer, illuminating the path through complex legislation and advocating for your rightful compensation.

Understanding Contributory Negligence

Washington DC adopts a rather stringent approach towards personal injury claims through its adherence to the contributory negligence rule. In this jurisdiction, if an injured party is found to bear any percentage of fault for the incident, they are, unfortunately, barred from recovering damages. This exacting standard underscores the necessity of securing a skilled and meticulous Washington DC personal injury lawyer, ensuring every aspect of your case is finely combed to validate the absence of your fault in the accident.

Statute Of Limitations – A Crucial Timer

Time is of the essence in personal injury claims in Washington DC, with the statute of limitations playing a pivotal role in the viability of your case. In general, an individual has a constrained window of two years from the date of the injury to initiate a lawsuit. Exceptions and intricacies within this timeframe, such as the discovery rule or instances involving government entities, mandate a nuanced understanding of the laws to prevent inadvertent forfeiture of your right to seek redress.

Wrongful Death And Survival Actions

In the unfortunate event of a fatal incident, Washington DC law permits the estate of the deceased to pursue two distinct claims: wrongful death and survival actions. While a wrongful death claim seeks to compensate family members for their loss, a survival action allows the estate to recover damages the deceased could have sought if they had survived. Both claims, though intertwined, navigate different avenues of the law, necessitating a Washington DC personal injury lawyer adept in managing their individual complexities.

Protecting The Rights Of Minors

When minors become embroiled in personal injury cases, their rights and means to seek compensation are safeguarded by distinct provisions within DC laws. Generally, minors have the right to pursue a personal injury claim within three years post attaining the age of majority. These cases, often ensnared with emotional and legal complexities, emphasize the importance of a lawyer who can concurrently safeguard the minor’s rights and navigate the legal milieu with compassion and expertise.

Turning To The Law Firm Of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C.

Navigating through the sophisticated tapestry of personal injury laws in Washington DC demands a seasoned legal ally. In the myriad of intricacies that such laws present, ensuring that your rights are protected and you are compensated fairly hinges on the prowess of your chosen attorney.

If you or a loved one has encountered the misfortune of a personal injury, extending your trust to a seasoned legal ally can be the initial step towards justice and compensation. Do not allow the complexities of DC’s stringent laws deter you from seeking what is rightfully yours. Our team invites you to elevate your claim with the wisdom and tenacity it merits. Connect with us, and together, let’s chart a course through the legal seas towards justice and recovery.

Contact a Lawyer Now

As you can see, the best time to contact a lawyer about your personal injury case is as soon as you are able. Get started today by making that call to a lawyer for Washington, DC personal injury cases at The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C.

Frederick J. Brynn, P.C.

922 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Suite 100
Washington, DC 20003


Client Review

“Mr Brynn did a good job but i was told my case would stay open because a bill was paid out of my settlement that shouldnt have been paid. But he did such a good job that once again I’m using his services”
Sharon Douglas
Client Review