Bellevue Personal Injury Attorneys

Legal Representation if You Have Been Injured in Bellevue, NE

Bellevue is a friendly community where neighbors look out for each other. It’s a wonderful place to live and raise a family. The city attracts a lot of tourists thanks to our lovely scenery and local events.

The privately owned Fontenelle Forest features 19 miles of hiking trails and a scenic view of the Missouri River. Hawthorne Park at the Missouri River is also a popular tourist attraction, as the start of a walking trail that stretches across Bellevue.

Every June, the Bellevue Community Foundation Riverfront Festival brings a lot of people to town. This annual community celebration offers free music, a beer garden, food vendors, and spectacular fireworks. It all happens at American Heroes Park.

Bellevue has experienced a recent upsurge in population, growing by almost 50 percent during the 1990s. The average daily commute is just over 20 minutes, and 84 percent of commuters drive to work alone.

If you are a Bellevue resident who’s been injured in an accident, contact a Bellevue personal injury lawyer at Bottlinger Law L.L.C. by calling (402) 505-8234. We’ll help you get a settlement to cover the cost of your medical care.

Motorcycle Accidents in Bellevue, NE

If you ride a motorcycle, then you know it’s a fun and exciting way to get around. Motorcycles are also an economical form of transportation. But there are risks due to road hazards and motorists who aren’t always looking out for you.

Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcycles don’t have a fortified interior and seatbelts to protect you. When a motorcycle accident is caused by a negligent driver who didn’t see you, a motorcycle rider is likely to suffer serious injuries that may require extensive medical treatment followed by a long recovery period.

Common injuries and other consequences caused by motorcycle accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Fractured bones
• Severe burns
• Internal organ damage
• Road rash
• Loss of limb
• Crush injuries
• Wrongful death

If you are a motorcycle rider who was injured in a crash, your experienced Bellevue motorcycle accident attorney will investigate your accident to find out who is negligent. Then you lawyer will fight to get you a fair settlement to cover to cost of your injuries and other expenses caused by the crash such as lost wages so you can get back on your feet again.

Trucking Accidents in Bellevue, NE

Big rig trucks are a serious hazard for everyone on the road. A fully loaded big rig truck weighs up to 80,000 pounds and it takes a lot longer to stop than a regular vehicle. When a truck crashes into a car, the injuries can be severe, even fatal.

If you were injured in an accident caused by a negligent truck driver, it’s almost impossible to get a fair settlement on your own. Big trucking firms and their insurance companies will probably offer you a lowball settlement that doesn’t begin to cover the total cost of your recovery. When it comes to dealing with truckers and their insurance companies, you will want to let your personal injury lawyer do the negotiating.

Your Bellevue auto accident lawyer will conduct an in-depth investigation to collect evidence that may include:

• Reviewing accident reports
• Interviewing witnesses
• Securing accident photos and video
• Consulting medical experts about your injuries
• Reconstructing the accident scene

Bicycle Accidents in Bellevue, NE

Bicycle riders have the same rights as other vehicles in Nebraska. Unfortunately, drivers don’t always respect your rights. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver, your Bellevue bicycle accident lawyer will pursue every avenue to get you the compensation you need to get up and running again.

An experienced personal injury lawyer will go to bat for you when seeking a settlement against the negligent driver’s insurance company. Your lawyer knows how to find compensation after an accident. For example, there’s a possibility your uninsured and underinsured coverage (UM/UIM) applies if you are hit by someone who doesn’t have enough coverage. If another cyclist causes your injuries, you may be able to collect from their homeowner’s insurance policy.

Your Bellevue personal injury attorney will work tirelessly to get you a settlement to cover the following types of expenses:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced future income
• Rehabilitation
• Pain and suffering

Pedestrian Accidents in Bellevue, NE

Pedestrian accidents can be devastating, causing injuries that will disrupt your life. Even when you do everything you can to be safe, pedestrians are extremely vulnerable to the whims and oversight of drivers on the road.

The following types of negligent driver behavior can be catastrophic for innocent pedestrians:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Careless left turns
• Running red lights and stop signs
• Not stopping before entering a crosswalk
• Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol
• Failure to slow down in foggy, rainy, or snowy conditions

Your Bellevue pedestrian accident attorney will determine who’s responsible for your injuries and come up with an effective strategy to secure the compensation you need to pay your medical bills and get on with your life.

Car Accidents in Bellevue, NE

When another party is at fault, you can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It's also your right to not make any statements to insurers that could jeopardize your claim.

The role of a car accident lawyer is to represent your interests and ensure you receive the full compensation to which you are entitled. Bottlinger Law L.L.C. handles negotiations with insurance companies, who often aim to minimize the amount they pay out. Jason Bottlinger is skilled in gathering evidence, such as police reports and witness statements, to build a strong case on your behalf. They also provide valuable guidance on legal procedures and deadlines, which can be complex and difficult to navigate.

Most importantly, Bottlinger Law L.L.C. will advocate for you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations. With a dedicated lawyer like Jason Bottlinger by your side, you can focus on your recovery while we focus on the legal details.

Nursing Home Abuse in Bellevue, NE

Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse is the first step in protecting residents. Abuse can take various forms – physical, emotional, sexual, or financial. Physical abuse may manifest as unexplained bruises, cuts, or broken bones. Emotional abuse might be harder to detect but look for signs of depression, withdrawal from activities, or sudden changes in behavior.

Sexual abuse includes any non-consensual sexual contact, and the signs might include torn clothing or unexplained sexually transmitted diseases. Financial exploitation often involves sudden changes in financial documents or unexplained withdrawals.

Bottlinger Law L.L.C. will begin by thoroughly investigating the circumstances of the abuse, gathering evidence, and interviewing witnesses. Jason Bottlinger will advocate for your loved one's best interests, seeking compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the abuse.

Dog Bite Injuries in Bellevue, NE

Filing a dog bite claim is a structured process that begins with collecting evidence, including photos of injuries, medical records, and witness statements. It's important to report the incident to animal control or the police to create an official record.

Bottlinger Law L.L.C. will identify the dog owner and their insurance provider. Then we’ll file a claim detailing the incident and the damages you are seeking. Negotiations with the insurance company may follow, aiming to reach a settlement that adequately compensates for your injuries and losses. If a settlement cannot be reached, Jason Bottlinger is always prepared to take the next step by filing a lawsuit.

Construction Site Accident Accidents in Bellevue, NE

Construction sites can be hazardous, and accidents occur frequently. Falls are the most common type of accident, often due to unprotected edges, faulty scaffolding, or unstable working surfaces. Struck-by incidents are also prevalent, where workers are hit by falling objects, swinging equipment, or moving vehicles. Electrocutions pose a significant risk, especially when safety protocols around power lines and electrical systems are ignored. Caught-in/between accidents are particularly dangerous, where workers might be pinned by machinery or crushed between moving parts. Repetitive motion injuries and overexertion lead to long-term health issues.

It's important to understand that workers' compensation benefits may cover medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. In the event of a fatal accident on a Bellevue construction site, it may also provide death benefits to the worker's dependents. Despite its benefits, workers' compensation may not fully compensate for all damages, especially in cases of severe or long-term injuries. Bottlinger Law L.L.C. will pursue additional compensation if the accident resulted from a third party's negligent actions.

Wrongful Death Claims in Bellevue, NE

The purpose of a wrongful death claim is meant to provide relief to family members who have been injured emotionally and financially as a result of the death. Compensation may include expenses like funeral costs, lost wages, lost companionship, and more.

To build a strong Bellevue wrongful death case, Bottlinger Law L.L.C. will gather a comprehensive body of evidence. This includes medical records, autopsy reports, and expert testimony, which can all provide insights into the cause of death and the link to the defendant's actions. Documenting the financial and emotional impact of the death on the family is also important. This may involve collecting evidence of lost wages, loss of potential future earnings, and the non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

How to File a Successful Personal Injury Claim

In personal injury law, liability hinges on the concept of negligence. To establish liability, the injured party must prove that another person or entity acted negligently. Negligence is a failure to take reasonable care to prevent harm to others.

After an accident, it's critical to prioritize your health and safety by seeking immediate medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor, some symptoms may not be apparent right away, and certain conditions like internal bleeding or concussions, can have delayed onset. A medical professional will assess and document your injuries. This is important to your health, and it’s also essential for any future legal proceedings.

Securing evidence is a crucial step after an accident and can significantly impact the outcome of a personal injury claim. If you're able, take photographs of the accident scene, including vehicles, injuries, and any environmental conditions that may have contributed to the incident.

Gather names and contact information of witnesses, as their accounts can be invaluable. If the accident occurred on a commercial property, request a copy of the incident report. You’ll want to preserve physical evidence, such as torn clothing or damaged personal items, and avoid having your vehicle repaired until it's documented.

Compensation Available in a Personal Injury Claim or Lawsuit

When calculating compensation in personal injury cases, medical expenses and lost wages are two of the primary economic damages considered. Medical expenses encompass the cost of emergency services, hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and any future medical care related to the injury.

Lost wages are the earnings you have lost—and will potentially lose—as a result of the injury. This includes not only the immediate income lost due to missed workdays but also any diminished earning capacity if the injury leads to long-term disability or impacts your ability to work at the same capacity as before the accident. Employment records, pay stubs, and professional testimony may be used to establish the full extent of economic loss.

Beyond economic damages, compensation in personal injury cases often includes non-economic damages for pain and suffering. This encompasses the physical discomfort and emotional distress endured as a result of the injury. Factors considered include the severity and permanence of the injury, the impact on quality of life, and the pain and discomfort during recovery.

The Basic Timeline of a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If settlement negotiations don’t result in an agreement, your personal injury case may proceed to trial. The trial process begins with jury selection, where attorneys for both sides choose jurors. Opening statements follow, with each side presenting their version of events and outlining the evidence they will introduce.

Bottlinger Law L.L.C. will present your case, calling witnesses and submitting evidence to prove negligence. The defense has the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses, and they will present their own case, attempting to refute the plaintiff's claims or demonstrate that the plaintiff shares some of the fault.

After both sides have presented their case, closing arguments are made, summarizing key points and urging the jury to decide in their client's favor. The jury deliberates and, based on the evidence and legal standards, renders a verdict on liability and the amount of damages to be awarded if your side prevails.

Common Severe Injuries in Personal Injury Cases

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and spinal cord injuries are among the most severe outcomes of personal injury incidents, often resulting from high-impact events like car accidents or falls. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, with symptoms varying from headaches and dizziness to long-term cognitive impairment. These injuries can profoundly affect your quality of life, and the full extent of damage may not be immediately apparent.

Fractures are common injuries in accidents and can range from simple breaks that heal relatively quickly to complex fractures requiring surgery and prolonged rehabilitation. The impact of a fracture can extend beyond the immediate pain and disability, sometimes leading to complications such as infections or the development of arthritis in the affected joint. Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis.

Internal organ damage is another serious consequence that can occur even without external signs of trauma. Organs can be bruised, perforated, or ruptured, leading to internal bleeding and requiring emergency medical intervention. Recovery from internal organ damage can be a long process, potentially involving multiple surgeries and a significant period of hospitalization.

We’re on Your Side

At Bottlinger Law L.L.C, we’re on your side. We offer a FREE consultation, and you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case. Call (402) 505-8234 today and find out what our talented team can do for you.