Many people think we live in a society where frivolous lawsuits always happen. But personal injury lawsuits are down more than 45% over the last 20 years. There’s nothing frivolous about standing up for your rights. If you’ve suffered an injury due to another’s negligence, Sand Law will help you with your personal injury claim.
This guide will break down the journey of a plaintiff (the person who files a personal injury claim) into several key stages, making it easy to understand. Sand Law attorneys will help you navigate all the complexities of your case and fight to help you obtain maximum compensation.
Schedule a free consultation by contacting us online or calling 651-291-7263.
The Incident & Initial Steps
The first step in pursuing a personal injury claim is to carefully detail the event that led to your injury. This means providing a clear and comprehensive account of what happened, including the incident’s where, when, and how. This initial step is crucial because it lays the foundation for your case. It helps establish the link between the incident and your injuries.
Equally important is seeking prompt medical attention. This is not only vital for your health but also for your legal case. Receiving timely medical care ensures that your injuries are correctly diagnosed and treated. It also creates a crucial paper trail that directly connects your injuries to the incident.
It’s essential to document everything related to the incident. Collecting evidence is key to building a strong case. This evidence can take various forms, such as photographs of the accident scene or your injuries, statements from witnesses who saw what happened, and incident reports filed by authorities or businesses where the incident occurred.
All these pieces of evidence serve as building blocks for your case, helping establish the facts and circumstances surrounding your injury.
Choosing Legal Representation for Your Personal Injury Claim
You can’t underestimate the value of having a skilled lawyer. Attorneys know the intricacies of personal injury law and the legal process. They can be your advocate, protecting your rights and interests throughout the case.
Selecting the right attorney is critical. You’ll want someone with experience in handling personal injury cases and a proven track record of success. Seek recommendations from trusted sources, such as friends, family, or online reviews, and carefully vet potential lawyers.
Before committing to an attorney, you’ll typically have an initial consultation. This meeting allows you to discuss your case, concerns, and expectations. It’s an opportunity to ask questions and evaluate whether you’re comfortable working with the attorney.
During this consultation, bring all relevant documents related to your case, such as medical records, accident reports, and any evidence you’ve gathered.
The Investigation Phase
This is where your attorney becomes a detective, working to gather evidence that will form the foundation of your case. They may interview witnesses who can provide firsthand accounts of the incident.
Your lawyer will also obtain critical records, including medical records documenting your injuries and accident reports outlining the incident’s details. They’ll also assess the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.
Establishing Liability & Damages
A pivotal part of your attorney’s job is establishing liability, which means determining who’s responsible for your injury. This determination is fundamental in personal injury cases, as it identifies the party or parties to blame.
Your attorney will also work on quantifying damages, the losses you’ve incurred due to the incident. These include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. Accurately calculating these losses is essential to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Negotiations & Settlement Talks
The vast majority of personal injury cases are resolved through negotiations. Your attorney will engage with the at-fault party or their insurance company to reach a settlement that adequately compensates you for your injuries and losses.
Insurance companies often play a central role in these negotiations, as they frequently handle settlements on behalf of their policyholders. Your attorney’s negotiation skills are crucial in securing fair compensation while protecting your legal rights and interests.
Throughout this process, your attorney will employ various negotiation tactics and strategies to maximize the settlement’s value and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Filing Your Personal Injury Claim
However, negotiations don’t always lead to a satisfactory resolution. In such cases, your attorney may initiate a lawsuit by filing a formal complaint in court. This lawsuit, also known as a “civil action,” marks the transition from the pre-litigation phase to the litigation phase of your case.
Lawsuits involve various stages, from the initial filing of the complaint to the discovery process and, if necessary, to a trial before a judge and/or jury. Each of these stages comes with its own set of procedures and deadlines.
The Discovery Process
During the discovery process, both sides exchange information relevant to the case. This includes the following:
- Depositions, where attorneys interview witnesses under oath.
- Interrogatories or written questions posed by one party to the other.
- Requests for documents, where both sides must provide relevant documents to the opposing party.
Discovery is critical for both sides to build their cases and gather evidence to support their arguments. It’s a thorough and often lengthy process designed to ensure a fair presentation of the facts at trial.
Mediation & Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Recognizing the time and expense involved in a trial, parties often explore alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation. Mediation offers an opportunity to resolve the case outside of the courtroom through the assistance of a neutral third-party mediator. It can be a quicker and less costly way to resolve compared to a full-fledged trial.
However, it’s important to note that mediation may not always lead to a satisfactory outcome, as it requires both parties to agree on the settlement terms. Still, it’s a valuable tool for reaching a mutually acceptable resolution.
Trial
If negotiations and alternative dispute resolution methods fail to resolve the case, it proceeds to trial. Going to court is a significant step in the legal process. Trials are formal proceedings where a judge and/or jury will hear arguments and evidence from both sides.
The trial has distinct stages. These include:
- Jury selection, where a panel of jurors is chosen.
- The presentation of evidence, where both parties present their case.
- The rendering of a verdict by the judge or jury.
Trials can be lengthy and complex, with each side presenting their arguments and countering the opposing party’s claims.
The court may rule in your favor, awarding compensation for your injuries and losses. Alternatively, the court may not find in your favor, leading to no compensation. Understanding the verdict’s implications is crucial, as it can significantly impact your future legal options.
Post-Trial Actions & Appeals
If the verdict is unfavorable, your attorney can discuss possible post-trial actions. These actions include challenging the verdict or seeking a new trial based on legal errors that occurred during the trial.
If your attorney pursues an appeal, they’ll do so on the grounds of legal errors rather than dissatisfaction with the verdict’s outcome. It’s a process that reviews whether the trial was conducted fairly and followed the law.
Contact Sand Law to Speak with an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney ASAP
Don’t hesitate to contact Sand Law to learn more about how we can help. You can use our online form or call 651-291-7263 for a free case review.