New York Injury Attorneys

An injury attorney is a lawyer who is able to handle lawsuits that involve negligence or intentional torts. They can assist you with obtaining compensation for medical expenses as well as other expenses incurred as the result of an accident. They are also members of various legal organizations. In the case of New York, which is a state that is purely comparative negligence you may be able to pursue an action against the person or business that caused your injuries.

New York is a state of comparative negligence.

New York's personal injury lawyers apply the principle of pure negligence. This means that the amount you pay is proportional to your part in the blame for an accident. This rule applies to all personal injury and wrongful death claims. If you are jointly liable for a claim, the state will deduct a percentage of the amount you receive.

New York, unlike many other states has strict comparative negligence rules for calculating monetary awards. You are still able to collect money even if partly responsible for an accident. If you're more at fault than the defendant, the amount you are awarded will be reduced by the amount attributable to your fault. This means that if you were at 25% fault, you'll be losing out on three-quarters or more of the total award.

In New York, the law is strict, so it isn't easy to win a personal injury lawsuit when you were the one responsible for the accident. A jury could give you 90%, but only one-third of the total damages. While a judge might give you a lower amount, your chances of winning are much lower. If you're not sure whether you can be successful, call an experienced New Jersey injury attorney to assist you in deciding if you should pursue a case.

While New York is a pure comparative negligence-based state for injury attorneys however, it is not an exception. This rule isn't universally applicable. For example in California, a plaintiff must be at least 50% at fault to win a personal injury claim.

Personal injury lawyers handle cases involving negligence as well as intentional torts

Personal injury law is a branch of law that focuses on legal defenses and remedies for injuries caused by others. The word «tort» comes from the Latin word «torre,» means «wrong.» This type of lawsuit does not involve the government, but a private plaintiff who wants to be compensated for an injury.

Negligent torts result in harm to a plaintiff by the negligence or carelessness of another. Negligence occurs when a plaintiff can prove that the defendant owed them a duty of care or violated that duty, and that the harm resulted from the breach. Intentional torts are much easier to prove than negligence because you don't need to prove breach of duty or cause.

Intentional torts include trespassing as well as false imprisonment as well as causing emotional distress. Intentional emotional distress is the case when a person intentionally causes someone to suffer extreme anxiety. In certain cases it can result in physical harm. Intentional torts also include defamation, fraud, and injury attorney invasion of privacy.

An attorney who is specialized in personal injury law will fully examine a case and offer advice. They can also consult investigators or experts in accident reconstruction to help gather evidence. They will gather evidence like incident reports witnesses' statements, incident reports and medical information, employment documents, and property damage. After analyzing the evidence they will determine how much compensation the victim is entitled to. An attorney who handles personal injury cases can also engage with opposing parties and assist in determining the best settlement offer.

Intentional torts are those committed with the intent to cause harm. A personal injury attorney can help you even if an investigation in a criminal court or the perpetrator has been cleared of all charges. The time limit for filing a lawsuit is usually one year for intentional torts. If the victim of intentional torts has suffered physical injury or emotional harm due to another person's actions and actions, Theaccidentlawcenter they may be able to bring a civil action.

They may be able pay for medical expenses

Personal injuries could result in you receiving compensation for medical expenses. Medical expenses can mount up quickly, especially if treatment required is lengthy and ongoing. All expenses must be documented, even those to the emergency room and subsequent visits to specialists and doctors. You might also be able of arguing that the treatment was too costly or ineffective.

The severity of your injuries will determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to. More serious injuries can be more costly to treat than less serious ones. Keep all receipts and bills related to your medical expenses until you settle. Injury lawyers are experts in making sense of medical bills in a personal injury case.

It is not unusual to require several medical treatments in order to get back to health. They can range from medications to surgery to the use of adaptive medical devices. Physical therapy is also required. Medical treatment can be expensive and insurance may not cover all costs. If you are the victim of a car accident it is recommended to avoid having to pay for these costs on your own. An injury lawyer can assist you negotiate with insurance companies to get the best settlement.

It may be a good option to file a lawsuit in the event that the party responsible for the fault refuses to cover your medical expenses. In the majority of instances, the insurance company will settle and pay your medical bills. However, you have to make sure you get the full compensation you deserve. To do this, you'll need to provide a complete medical history, medical bills indicating the amount of money you've been paid, and a professional testimony.

Medical expenses are a big aspect of a personal accident case. The insurance company as well as the court will carefully examine each and every invoice. The more precise the medical bills of your attorney are, the more likely the insurance company will be willing to pay them in a fair way.

They are members of legal organisations

Many legal organizations include injury lawyers as members which includes the American Board of Trial Advocates. This advocacy group assists lawyers represent injured workers as well as advocates for juries of civil nature. The organization also works to increase education and community awareness about legal issues. These organizations allow injury attorneys to acquire more knowledge about the law, as well as the best methods to pursue cases.

They are also known as trial lawyers. They are involved in trials similar to defense attorneys and criminal prosecutor. They work hard to pursue compensation for victims who have suffered harm due to the negligence of a person or entity. Lawyers who advocate for theaccidentlawcenter the rights of victims are members of injury lawyers.

They charge an amount for their services.

You must be aware of the costs charged by the lawyer you choose. There are many ways that they can charge their clients. The most popular is the hourly fee. This arrangement allows them to decide the amount of time they will devote to your case. While some attorneys utilize this type of fee structure for routine legal matters, injury attorneys are increasingly opting for alternative fee arrangements as well.

The Work of a Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal injury lawyer

A personal injury lawyer is vital in seeking compensation for the victim of an accident. Personal injury lawyers examine the circumstances leading to the incident to determine if liability can be proven. They often conduct extensive research and review relevant laws and precedents in order to create a strong legal argument for filing an action against the person who was at fault. While a straightforward case like an auto accident may not require much analysis, more complex cases may require extensive analysis.

The function of an attorney who handles personal injury cases is to make sure that his or her client receives the maximum amount of compensation legally entitled to. This includes assessing the circumstances leading to an accident, and determining the severity of the injuries. Personal injury lawyers can make better judgements and provide more persuasive arguments when trying to negotiate settlements.

A personal injury lawyer is also accountable to defend the rights of the victim. Personal injury lawyers seldom work hourly. Defense lawyers usually get paid on an hourly rate. State bar associations oversee the work of personal injury lawyers. They have the power to discipline lawyers who break their rules. Additionally the bar associations in the state require that all contingency contracts be written and injury claim they may also restrict a lawyer's fee to a specific percentage of the amount recovered.

Personal injury lawyers are highly-skilled litigators. After being injured due to negligence Personal injury lawyers are able to seek justice for their clients. Their clients may seek financial compensation or a court order to stop the wrongdoing. These claims can be related to car accidents, workplace injuries or medical malpractice.

A personal injury attorney must study the case thoroughly to determine the liability. They may require medical records and employment documents based on the circumstances to back their theory. Personal injury lawyers usually attempt to negotiate settlements between their adversaries, there are times when it is essential for a case to go to trial. They are accountable for the management of the case from start to the end. The work of a personal injury attorney is not simple, however, it is a crucial part of the legal procedure.

Liability analysis

Personal injury lawyers are required to perform liability analysis. It requires detailed research of the applicable statutes and case law. It also provides a solid rationale to pursue a claim against the responsible person. The length of time required will depend on the degree of complexity of the case. A simple incident involving an auto accident may only require a preliminary investigation, while the more complex case might require a thorough investigation.

In determining liability, an injury attorney will need information regarding the cause of the incident, and whether the defendant's negligence contributed to the injury. The analysis should also consider the nature of defects and if the defective product contributed to the injury. Expert testimony is also important in the liability analysis process.

Liability analysis is vital for personal injury cases because it determines who was at fault. Sometimes, fault and liability may be synonymous. There are many ways to prove liability by a confession, for example, an admission. In some instances juries trials may be required to establish the liability. If you require assistance to determine the legal liability, injury attorney a personal accident attorney can assist you in devising the best strategy.

Settlement negotiations

Settlement discussions with a personal injury lawyer can be a challenging process. Insurance companies frequently try and limit your recovery by delaying the claim as well as extending negotiations. If you're not able to keep the insurer in check and you are forced to settle, you could end up having to settle for less than what you are entitled to. In these cases, a personal injury lawyer can make use of patience and perseverance to negotiate the best settlement offer. The lawyer will also make sure that the insurance company honors its word.

The process starts with preparation of a demand letter. The demand letter should include the amount you would like to receive in compensation, along with any other details. Your demand letter will be answered by the insurance company in a matter of weeks. In certain instances, the insurance company may not even bother to respond.

The demand letter is the foundation of the settlement process. The letter is sent to the person or the party responsible for the injury, along with the insurance company. The insurance company isn't obligated to respond to the demand letter, but the adjuster is likely to contact you to offer. Insurance companies are often reluctant to paying the maximum amount they can. It is not uncommon to receive a counter offer that is low.

Mediation is the next phase in settlement negotiations. The mediator acts as a neutral third party who assists in the process. During the mediation, both parties discuss their case and settlement demands, and an back-and-forth exchange of offers will take place. The goal is to come to a satisfactory settlement.

A personal injury lawyer can assist you to determine the best settlement option. You could be offered a lump-sum settlement, or a structured settlement. If you've suffered a serious injury, the latter might be particularly beneficial. It is important to remember that settlements can be taxed, meaning the amount you receive might be subject to tax laws.

The settlement negotiation process typically takes between a few weeks to a few months, dependent on the specific circumstances. Most cases result in settlements that are fair between parties involved in the accident. Keep in mind that insurance adjusters are certified and trained to reduce costs and decrease the value of a claim. This means it is essential to approach the negotiations with the strongest evidence and a skilled lawyer.

Cost of hiring an attorney for personal injury

Employing a personal injury lawyer is costly. While you should be careful not to pay more than you are required to, there are some standard costs that come with personal injury cases. These costs include long-distance phone calls, copying charges, and filing fees. These costs will likely increase as your case progresses. Court reporters and other experts can be charged an additional fee by certain attorneys. These services could be worth the cost for cases that require special investigation.

The cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer varies greatly, depending on the amount of time the lawyer is working on the case. Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they only get paid if your case is successful. They usually charge one-third of the total amount recovered, however some lawyers charge up to 40 percent. Your attorney's fees could rise in the event of a case going to court.

A seasoned personal injury lawyer can reduce costs. Georgia law requires lawyers to have written contingency fees agreements. These agreements must detail who is accountable for what. A personal injury lawyer must not only be able to explain their fees to clients but additionally be able to present an invoice to cover their client's portion of the settlement.

A majority of people can't afford to pay an injury lawyer on an hourly basis or in advance. Many personal injury lawyers have discovered a way to work around this issue by offering contingency fees. These agreements permit the client to get legal assistance without having to pay in advance. This is referred to as «contingency fee» agreements. They are an excellent option for people who cannot afford an attorney.

Certain people don't require the assistance of an attorney for personal injuries if they're involved in minor injury lawsuits accidents. However, these instances can involve large organizations and large sums of cash. Therefore, it is crucial to employ an attorney for personal injuries to secure compensation. The advantages of hiring a lawyer will outweigh the cost.

The cost of hiring an attorney for personal injury varies greatly. The amount of the settlement or verdict will determine the amount you pay. The cost will include costs for conducting research or hiring experts, as well as filing a personal injury claim. It could also include court costs.

How Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You File a Successful Lawsuit

Personal injury lawyers are lawyers who specialize in helping victims of personal injuries. They usually practice tort law which is a type of law that involves personal injury. There are a variety of injury lawsuits. A lawyer who is qualified can assist you in filing an effective lawsuit. Continue reading to find out more about injury lawyers.

Cost of hiring an attorney for personal injury

You may be wondering how much it would cost to hire a personal injury attorney. The majority of personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, personal injury claims which means they only get paid if they win compensation for you. Typically, they charge a third of the recovery amount, though this can vary. Some cases might require a retainer or an hourly fee.

Be aware of the contingency fees when you are considering hiring a personal-injury lawyer. This can help victims of accidents afford legal assistance. Because they receive a proportion of the settlement amount, these agreements permit lawyers to take on cases that are meritorious. This means you'll receive more money, but lawyers still earn a profit.

Personal injury cases may incur cost-intensive cases. These expenses include long-distance phone calls as well as copying and filing costs as well as filing fees. These costs are usually charged upfront by many lawyers while others charge an additional cost. Other fees could include expert witnesses, court reporting, and special investigations.

Be aware that your lawyer could be putting into thousands and thousands of hours of work. This could cost you hundreds of thousands of money. However, they're not paid even if they lose your case. It is a good idea to employ an attorney to represent you in personal injury cases. It's not about the money, but a positive relationship with your lawyer is essential for a successful jury trial.

The fees of a personal injury lawyer vary depending on the type of legal matter. Free initial consultations are provided by certain attorneys. This lets you get to know your lawyer more intimately. Others include the price of their services in a written statement, which you can read before making a decision to hire a lawyer.

Personal injury lawyer

You should make sure that the lawyer you select is skilled in the particular area of law that is relevant to your particular case. Also, you need an attorney who can handle the details, including filing deadlines. There will be many questions about your medical bills, health insurance forms, and your lost income. An attorney who is knowledgeable about the claims process will be able to answer your questions and explain how it works. A personal injury lawyer should have experience and be conversant of the laws applicable to personal injury cases.

Alongside a thorough understanding of the law, personal injury attorneys must have strong communication skills. A great personal injury lawyer must be able to effectively convey facts and arguments before a jury or judge. He or she should also be able to establish a rapport with clients and provide captivating opening and concluding arguments.

In addition to these capabilities an effective personal injury attorney should be able to think imaginatively and analytically. An attorney who is able to see solutions to problems and present them in a way that is persuasive is a great choice. They must also be willing to learn and expanding. It is crucial to find an attorney who is committed to the development of the field of law.

Another quality that is important to a personal injury lawyer is their determination and willingness to go to trial. This is important since insurance companies keep tabs on the attorneys and cases they win. A personal injury lawyer who is persistent might be able to convince an insurance company to offer an increase in compensation.

The process of filing a personal injuries lawsuit

A personal injury lawsuit is a legal proceeding that involves laying out the evidence and proving the validity of your claim in the civil court. The process begins with the creation of an official complaint, which is a written document filed with the court and then served to the defendant. It outlines the facts of the case as well as the claims made by the plaintiff. The complaint also contains the requested relief and lists all witnesses that could be.

Personal injury lawsuits may be filed in civil courts usually in the Supreme Court of New York. They are typically subject to a statute of limitations, which varies depending on the type of claim and defendant. However the personal injury lawsuit doesn't end until it is decided whether or not the defendant is liable for the injuries.

In addition to obtaining evidence, injured victims must continue to receive medical treatment. It is essential to keep track of any medical bills and estimates of property damage. It is important to keep the track of lost wages. Victims are able to make use of this information when filing a claim against the responsible party and their insurance company.

A personal injury lawsuits the Accident law center lawsuit isn't easy however, it's crucial to know how to proceed. If you've been the victim of personal injuries, it is important to contact an attorney for personal injury immediately. Even if the accident was not your blame, you may use statements from the accident to support your case.

After you've filed your complaint the defendant is likely to engage a defense attorney. This lawyer will help you navigate the claims process and in some cases, settle your lawsuit prior to a trial. Your lawyer might be able settle the case for a lower amount in the event that the accident was not your fault.

Common types of personal injury lawsuits

Personal injury lawsuits are filed when another party causes a person's injury through their negligence or recklessness. These cases could be as simple as a pedestrian getting hit by someoneelse, or they can be involving hundreds of thousands of victims. Whatever the size of the case, it is imperative to speak with an attorney as soon as possible if you have been injured as a result of negligence by another. Injuries from car crashes are among the most prevalent types of personal injury lawsuits.

A slip and fall accident could result in a personal injury lawsuit when the victim is unable to avoid a hazard or falls on an icy sidewalk. This kind of lawsuit is relatively simple to prove because the emphasis is on whether there was a hazard in the area. Unmarked construction sites can be a risk.

A severe personal injury can cause life-changing effects. Someone may need to seek medical attention for a full time, change their profession, or even quit working. They may even face limitations or incapacitation during their day-to-day lives, which is one reason personal injury lawsuits can aid them recover. These injuries can result in loss of income including self-employment earnings, commissions and wages, in addition to other benefits.

While not all cases result in a lawsuit in the United States, personal injury lawsuits are fairly frequent. Personal injuries affect 39 million people each year. Individuals may sue for personal injury to receive compensation for the damage caused by the negligence or personal injury attorney will of others. However, the type of personal injury lawsuit you file will be based on the type of injury you've suffered.

Another type of personal injury lawsuit is the medical malpractice lawsuit. Sometimes, a doctor's error could cause serious injury or even death. A hospital or doctor could be held responsible for injury lawsuits The Accident Law Center injuries if they are negligent in performing a procedure on patients or misdiagnose the patient.

Compensation is awarded in personal injury lawsuits

Personal injury lawsuits are a way to award economic damages. These include medical bills and lost earnings. However emotional distress damages can also be awarded. These damages can cover the psychological and emotional toll caused by the injury and can sometimes be more than the economic damages. The most commonly cited type of damages in personal injury lawsuits is loss of companionship, which compensates surviving family members for the loss of a loved one. The emotional distress damages can be included in pain-and-suffering damages.

The physical pain a plaintiff experiences after an accident may also be a factor in damages awarded in personal injury lawsuits. Even the smallest of injuries can be costly and medical bills can add up quickly. Patients who sustain severe injuries may need extended hospitalization or critical care. They may also require extended rehabilitation. In some cases patients may develop permanent disabilities that require continuous treatment as well as adaptive devices and continuous nursing care.

Damages in personal injury lawsuits may include monetary compensation for a victim's previous and future medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. These damages may be general or specific in nature and there is no limit on the amount that can be claimed. These damages are simple to calculate and cover a wide variety of costs.

A lot of personal injuries result in damages that are taxable. Even though this is the case the victims can avoid paying tax on settlements by utilizing the structured settlement. These settlements can be made each month, annually or in a lump amount. Structured settlements reduce federal taxation on income and boost the chances of recovering the money from the defendant. To determine the taxation of damages, the victims must consult with an attorney prior agreeing to a settlement.

Personal Injury Attorneys

Before hiring a personal injuries attorney, there are several aspects to consider. This includes cost, specializationand qualifications, and many other aspects. The court can award punitive damages in New York if the defendant is grossly negligent. In such instances, a personal injury lawyer can help the client to seek restitution for damages. It is crucial to locate a firm that is well-known for injury attorney its successes in personal injury cases.

Qualifications

The primary task of a personal injury attorney is to defend the interests of plaintiffs when there are injuries or losses. The attorney must communicate with clients and negotiate with insurance companies. This requires the attorney to have excellent research and writing skills. Additionally, the attorney must be comfortable speaking in front of the judge or jury.

A rigorous training program is required to become a personal injuries attorney. The bar exam tests applicants on national and state law that differs from state to state. To become a lawyer you must pass the bar exam and attend an specialized course. Additionally personal injury lawyers are also required to pass an examination for bar review.

Personal injury lawyers deal with cases involving injuries resulting from negligent or unjust behavior. Common cases include car accidents, slip and fall accidents and workplace injuries caused by defective products and professional malpractice. In addition, a personal injury attorney is certified to conduct legal research, collect evidence and manage a team of legal experts.

A personal injury lawyer must possess a law degree or a bachelor's degree from an accredited college that is an affiliate of the American Bar Association. The attorney must then take the bar examination in their state of practice. Personal injury attorneys must also have excellent communication skills and a good knowledge of the laws that govern personal injuries cases.

A personal injury attorney is required to go through seven years of rigorous education. They must complete four years of undergraduate studies to earn a bachelor's degree and three years of law school. They must pass the bar examination after they have graduated.

Specialization

Personal injury lawyers represent plaintiffs who have been injured in an accident. They practice tort law that covers both private and civil wrongs. Their primary role is to ensure that victims get fair compensation for their injuries. This field is attractive to lawyers with previous experience in the insurance sector or those who prefer to settle cases outside of the courtroom, and lawyers who want to represent people who are marginalized in society.

Personal injury attorneys typically represent clients on a contingent fee basis. This means that they only receive compensation when the case is settled. The fees typically range between 30-40 percent of the amount collected. Personal injury cases can often take years to resolve, so it's important that attorneys manage longer, more complex cases with smaller and easier ones.

While personal injury lawsuits vary widely in terms of complexity, some personal injury attorneys are specialized in a particular kind of case. An attorney for medical malpractice may be able to concentrate on birth injuries while a lawyer for motor vehicle accidents may specialize in rollovers. But regardless of what kind of personal injury attorney you're looking for, you should expect to undergo rigorous training and pass a bar exam.

Personal injury lawyers typically specialize in the field of workplace injuries. If a business caused an accident, it must pay compensation to a worker. If the company was at fault, the employee can pursue them for damages. A lawyer who specializes in workplace injuries with specific expertise in this field can assist maximize the compensation that they receive.

Personal injury lawyers must be skilled in both oral and written arguments. They must be able of researching cases and argue persuasively for clients. Furthermore, they must possess excellent communication skills. Additionally, a personal injury attorney must be able to explain their client's situation to jurors or judges.

Costs

Personal injury lawyers may charge a variety of charges and expenses. A lot of these costs are standard and are deducted from a final settlement. However, some are unforeseen and must still be paid upfront. This includes the cost of hiring experts as well as recording depositions and copying documents. These fees and costs can quickly add up depending on the complexity of the case.

It is important to be aware that certain states have passed laws that limit the amount of fees attorneys can charge for certain services. This includes bankruptcy and personal injury lawsuits. The fee limits differ between states, but here are some examples. In certain states, the fee limit is forty percent of the first $50,000 that is recovered. In others, the fee is thirty-three percent of the next $50,000.

You might be able to negotiate a larger percentage of the settlement if your case goes to trial. Personal injury lawyers typically charge between 30-40% of the final settlement. It is crucial to determine how much you can pay upfront. Some lawyers will demand the payment as soon as the events happen. Examples of typical expenses include medical records and depositions, trial exhibits, investigators, and personal injury attorney other expenses. Depending on the size of the case, these expenses can vary between forty and sixty percent of the total.

Another kind of fee arrangement is a contingent fee. In this type of arrangement, the attorney agrees to take a certain percentage of recovery. This means that you don't be required to pay anything until the attorney obtains an agreement to settle the case for you. This arrangement might not be appropriate for all situations. If you have extra money you can pay your lawyer on a monthly basis instead of paying a lump sum upfront.

Court costs

The court costs for personal injury attorneys differ depending on the case. Filing fees can easily run into the hundreds, and depositions or discovery can be more than 1,000 dollars. There is a fee to include a court reporter during the deposition. Expert witness fees can go up to the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars in the event of a complicated case.

The final settlement award is usually be deducted from the court costs of personal injury lawyers. The cost of court is typically 10% to 15% of the total settlement award. For instance when a client is awarded a $100k settlement the lawyer will get around $40000. However, if the case goes to trial, the costs for personal injury lawyers could run anywhere from fifteen to twenty percent of the settlement.

The costs for personal injury cases is determined by the nature of case as well as the length of litigation. A simple case involving a car collision will be less expensive than a complex construction site accident. However, these costs are still massive. A personal injury lawyer needs to employ an engineer and investigator to document the incident. The lawyer will also need to pay court filing fees and other court expenses.

If the plaintiff is able to recover $1 million, the attorney can only charge him or her client thirty percent of the amount. This means that the total value of the settlement will be six thousand six hundred sixty six hundred sixty-six dollars.

Witness list

A witness list is vital for any personal injury lawsuit. It is important to have someone who knows about the plaintiff's past and present, and can back your claim with their testimony. This person can testify regarding the plaintiff's physical and mental impairments, or tell the story of the plaintiff's injuries.

An attorney may call on many witnesses to prove the case. For instance, a medical expert can be called upon to testify about a patient's health background, the way in which the condition was diagnosed, and the course of treatment. Witnesses can also be a family member or a coworker who knows the patient's medical background.

Expert witnesses are experts who have specialized knowledge and experience. They can prove a specific case or counter the false testimony provided by the defense. They can determine the cause of an injury or prove the plaintiff's claims for damages. The function of an expert witness is vital in personal injury cases because their testimony can influence juries or judges.

It is crucial to gather as many witnesses as possible when preparing a witness list. Eyewitnesses are vital for an injury case as they can provide direct information about the incident. Eyewitnesses can also provide important information to accident reconstructionists and juries. Eyewitnesses can also assist in proving who was responsible for an accident.

The attorney should carefully choose witnesses and ensure that they are prepared for cross-examination. For instance the defense attorney could inquire of a layperson if they knew about the plaintiff's previous health conditions or layoffs, as well as other facts that could undermine the credibility of the plaintiff. If a layperson refuses to answer these questions, they may lose credibility.