“I’m not the type of person to sue, but…”
If you’ve ever found yourself uttering those words after an accident or injury, you’re not alone. In fact, at Premier Law Group, we hear this phrase all the time from potential clients who are hesitant—even uncomfortable—about the idea of pursuing a personal injury claim. And we get it.
For most people, the word “lawsuit” conjures images of long court battles, aggressive attorneys, and personal conflicts. But here’s the truth: very few people are eager to sue. Most personal injury victims are simply trying to pick up the pieces of their lives after someone else’s mistake turned their world upside down.
They’re not looking for revenge—they’re looking for justice, for accountability, and most of all, for a fair chance at recovery.
Most people just want to get back to the life they had before the injury. They want the pain to go away, the medical bills to stop piling up, and the ability to work, care for their families, and enjoy their lives without worry. Suing someone is rarely about being confrontational—it’s about survival and recovery.
Why You Might Say, “I’m Not the Type to Sue”
There’s a certain stigma around filing a lawsuit in American culture. Many people believe that taking legal action makes them greedy or litigious. Others are afraid of being judged by friends, family, or coworkers. Some people simply don’t want to make waves or create conflict, even when they’ve been seriously wronged.
You might also feel overwhelmed or emotionally drained from the trauma of your injury. That emotional fatigue can make the idea of initiating a legal process seem like “too much.” We understand. It’s a heavy decision—but one that may make all the difference in your future.
Here are some common reasons you may hesitate to pursue a claim:
-
“I don’t want to seem sue-happy”: News stories often spotlight frivolous lawsuits, creating a false narrative that everyone is out to get a payday. This myth unfairly paints all plaintiffs as opportunists, when in reality, most are simply trying to recover what they’ve lost. In truth, most personal injury cases involve legitimate harm caused by someone else’s negligence. Filing a claim is not about taking advantage of the system—it’s about using the system as it was intended: to make things right when you’ve been wronged.
-
“I’m worried about the other person”: Especially in car accidents or premises liability cases, you may hesitate to pursue compensation because you don’t want to hurt someone else financially. But what many people don’t realize is that in most cases, it’s not about going after someone personally—it’s about dealing with their insurance. In Washington, people are legally required to carry insurance to protect themselves and others. When you file a claim, you’re not attacking someone’s character or savings account—you’re holding their insurer responsible for fulfilling its obligation.
-
“The legal process is going to be a nightmare”: Legal procedures can feel overwhelming. You may worry about court dates, endless paperwork, or being dragged into drama. The good news is that with the right legal team, many personal injury cases settle outside of court—without the chaos. In fact, most of the work happens behind the scenes. We will act as your buffer, handling communications, negotiations, and deadlines while you focus on your recovery. Your involvement can be as hands-on or hands-off as you want it to be.
-
“I don’t think my injuries are bad enough”: Many injury victims downplay their pain or assume they need catastrophic injuries to deserve compensation. But injuries that affect your ability to work, live your life, or sleep at night are serious—and you shouldn’t minimize them. Even so-called “minor” injuries can lead to chronic issues, require ongoing medical care, or interfere with your ability to function day to day. And emotional trauma—like PTSD after a car crash—is just as real and valid as physical pain.
Personal Injury Law Is About Your Protection, Not Punishment of the Other Party
It’s important to understand what personal injury law is really about. The civil justice system exists to restore victims—not to punish the person who caused harm (that’s criminal court). When you file a personal injury claim, you’re not trying to ruin someone’s life. You’re trying to reclaim your own.
If someone else’s carelessness or recklessness caused your injuries, you have a legal right to seek compensation for:
Medical bills (past and future)
Medical care is expensive—and the costs don’t stop at the emergency room. You may need follow-up appointments, physical therapy, medications, or surgeries. Future expenses, such as long-term care or mobility aids, should also be accounted for to ensure you’re not left struggling later on.
Lost wages or income
When you’re injured, you may need to take time off work to recover—or you may not be able to return to work at all. Often this leave is unpaid. Lost income can create serious financial stress, especially if you’re the primary earner in your household.
And it’s not just about the present. If your injury permanently impacts your ability to earn a living or forces you into a lower-paying job, you may be entitled to compensation for diminished earning capacity.
Pain and suffering
Pain and suffering refers to the physical discomfort and anguish you’ve experienced due to your injury. This can include chronic pain, difficulty sleeping due to discomfort, loss of mobility or range of motion, and the toll of repeated medical treatments and surgeries.
Pain can rob you of joy, connection, and freedom. That’s worth recognizing—and compensating.
Emotional distress
Physical injuries often come with a heavy emotional cost. Anxiety, depression, and trauma are common after serious accidents—especially when they involve a sudden, violent event or life-altering consequences.
Maybe you fear driving again, have trouble sleeping, or feel persistent sadness. These symptoms are real and deserve to be acknowledged in your claim.
Property damage
If your accident resulted in damage to personal property—most commonly in car accident cases—you can recover the costs to repair or replace those items. This might also include personal belongings like phones, eyeglasses, or laptops damaged in the accident.
Long-term care and rehabilitation
Some injuries don’t fully heal. They leave lasting effects that require ongoing support, therapy, or accommodations. In these cases, long-term care costs can become one of the largest components of a personal injury settlement.
These are not “luxuries.” These are real, tangible costs that can affect your health, your finances, and your future. And often, insurance companies won’t voluntarily pay what’s fair unless you fight for it.
Insurance Companies Count on Your Hesitation
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: the insurance industry knows how reluctant people are to sue. And they use that hesitation to their advantage.
Insurance adjusters are trained to appear friendly and helpful while offering the lowest possible settlement. They know that many people will accept far less than they deserve just to avoid a legal fight. Some may even delay or deny valid claims altogether, hoping the injured person will give up out of frustration.
When you have an attorney on your side, you level the playing field. We can handle the negotiations, gather evidence, and apply pressure when necessary—ensuring that your voice is heard and your claim is taken seriously.
Suing Isn’t Always What You Think It Is
When people think about lawsuits, they often imagine a dramatic courtroom scene straight out of a TV drama. But the reality is much more practical—and far less theatrical.
Most Cases Don’t Go to Trial
The vast majority of personal injury claims are resolved through settlements. Your case may never see the inside of a courtroom. In fact, many cases are settled through mediation, negotiation, or arbitration.
Filing a Claim Isn’t the Same as Suing
In many cases, we can resolve your claim with the insurance company before a formal lawsuit is even filed. Filing a claim is often the first step to let the insurer know you mean business—but it doesn’t mean you’re walking into court tomorrow.
Your Attorney Handles the Heavy Lifting
From gathering medical records to negotiating with adjusters to drafting legal documents, your attorney does the legwork. Your job? Focus on healing.
You Deserve Accountability and Closure
If you were hurt due to someone else’s negligence, you’re already carrying a burden you didn’t ask for. The physical pain, the emotional toll, the financial strain—it adds up. And when no one is held accountable, that burden can feel even heavier.
Seeking legal representation doesn’t make you “the type of person who sues.” It makes you someone who values your health, your future, and your right to be treated fairly.
At Premier Law Group, we’ve helped countless people in Washington who were hesitant to call an attorney. They all started in the same place—reluctant, uncertain, even guilty. But they ended up empowered, informed, and on the path to justice.
You Don’t Have to Make This Decision Alone
Choosing whether to pursue a legal claim is deeply personal. It’s okay to feel conflicted. But it’s also okay to ask questions, to seek clarity, and to protect your rights.
At Premier Law Group, we offer FREE consultations precisely for this reason. We’ll walk you through what your case might look like, what your options are, and what it really means to take legal action. No pressure. No commitment. Just the information you need to make the best decision for you and your family.
Jason at premier law group is truly an outstanding individual. Our particular case was not something that their firm usually sees but they were more than willing to help us and give us all of the information they had available. I can't recommend them enough.