It is an unfortunate reality that as many individuals age, their health declines and they are no longer able to complete routine functions that are typically done with ease. In these cases, individuals look to other family members to take care of their everyday needs including paying bills, making health decisions, and making other financial decisions. This is often accomplished by executing a durable power of attorney. In personal injury cases, an individual with a durable power of attorney over you or your loved one has certain rights. Since a durable power of attorney continues even after a loved one is incapacitated, the rights provided under the power of attorney will continue. If you or your loved one has been injured in an accident or incident and need the assistance of an experienced attorney, contact Colombo Law today to determine your rights to relief.
Important Powers in Personal Injury Cases
The ability to file suit and being granted financial powers are two important considerations in personal injury cases. One key benefit in personal injury cases is the ability to have your agent file a lawsuit on your behalf. This is an important benefit as there are a number of individuals every year who are injured due to the negligence of another, but are unable to file a lawsuit on their own for a variety of reasons. A durable power of attorney may protect you in these scenarios, by allowing you to have access to seek the relief you deserve.
In addition, your agent in a durable power of attorney has authority to manage your funds. In a personal injury case, an agent to a power of attorney can determine what is done with a personal injury award or settlement proceeds obtained. While this may seem daunting to many, individuals who hold a power of attorney agree to comply with certain requirements. One requirement is the obligation to act in the best interests of the person who executed the power of attorney. This means that they should not take any actions that are contrary to the principal’s well-being or wishes. In the event that individuals abuse the powers that are given to them, the power of attorney can be revoked and there may be legal consequences for their actions or inactions.
Colombo Law Personal Injury Lawyers
If you or your loved one has any other questions about the impact a durable power of attorney may have on a potential claim, contact Colombo Law today. Our attorneys are skilled personal injury lawyers who can assist you through every part of your personal injury claim.
Colombo Law firm is located in Morgantown, West Virginia. Colombo Law assists clients located in and around West Virginia including in Morgantown, Fairmont, Clarksburg, Bridgeport, Kingwood, Grafton, Weston, Philippi, Buckhannon, Elkins, Parkersburg, Monongalia, Marion, Harrison, Preston, Taylor, and Lewis county.
