Suffering an injury due to the reckless or negligent behavior of someone else can be devastating. As you are suddenly faced with making a physical recovery, you are also inundated by costly medical bills, lost wages, and other unforeseen expenses. If you or someone you love has been injured in an auto accident, slip and fall accident, or ther incident that was someone else’s fault, you have the legal right to pursue compensation. Let’s explore how personal injury claims work, how long they take, and what you can expect from the process.
Put Your Health and Safety First
As soon as you are injured, your top priority is to seek medical attention. Even if your injuries do not immediately seem serious, it’s still a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor to determine whether you sustained a concussion or other injury whose symptoms may not be apparent. While it’s important to seek medical treatment to ensure that you receive the treatments and therapies that you need in order to recover, meeting with a doctor is also a good way to gather documentation that proves you sustained an injury from the incident. You’ll want these notes from the medical professional if or when you decide to pursue a personal injury claim.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Once you are stable, you should speak with a personal injury lawyer who can assess your case and advise you on your legal options for pursuing compensation. While it is possible to file a personal injury claim on your own, it’s highly advisable to work with a legal expert who will answer your questions along the way and help you build a successful claim. Together, you and your attorney will gather all of the documents necessary to prepare a strong claim. Be aware that this process could take several weeks or even months, as it takes time to gain access to various official documents and medical records.
Discussing a Sound Legal Strategy
Your attorney will help you determine the best path forward. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may decide to pursue a settlement directly from the other party instead of filing a lawsuit. Or, you may opt to file a personal injury lawsuit in court. The litigation phase may take several months, or even years, to complete, as there are various steps and stages involved in the legal process. Ultimately, many cases are settled through mediation and negotiation. However, if a settlement cannot be reached, you may take your case to trial. Your personal injury attorney will walk you through all your options and possibilities before moving forward so that you can feel prepared and confident about what to expect from the process. Ultimately, your lawyer will strive to ensure that you receive the compensation you are owed, allowing you to repay expensive medical bills, lost wages, and cover other expenses relating to your injury.
