If you sustained a personal injury or know someone who did, you know what it is like to go through the process of evaluating if you have a case and making a decision about whether to sue.
Especially if someone causes you to become injured because of negligence or carelessness, it is tempting to jump the gun and want to file a lawsuit right away.
This is at the heart of what we do at our firm, but we want you to have the knowledge and understanding you need to make that decision in an informed manner.
What a personal injury claim is
Filing a personal injury claim—or suing someone for a personal injury—is a legal way of asking them to compensate you for the fact that something they did hurt you.
Whether that was a car accident, a slip-and-fall, or a dog bite, there are many instances where one might consider suing, and rightfully so.
Restrictions on time
It is critical to know that you do not have unlimited time to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is called a “statute of limitations,” and basically it is the way the law says that you only have a certain amount of time to sue for the injuries you sustained.
It is important to contact the firm as soon as you consider filing because of the time limits. Your attorney will guide you through the process and make sure to get the paperwork in before the deadline.
You need evidence to substantiate your case
Many people think that if they sustain an injury because of someone else’s actions, that is enough evidence to have a case against them.
However, that is not true. The law is very specific about the elements that must exist for a personal injury claim to be valid. In other words, there are certain things you need to prove.
Figuring out the numbers
An important part of any personal injury lawsuit is figuring out how much your claim is worth. Here is where attorneys can truly come to the rescue because they probably have an idea of what your claim is worth. Sometimes, though not always, they can estimate what you are likely to receive.
Settling as an option
Did you know that most cases end up settling? This means that the other party, let’s say an insurance company, agrees to give you a certain amount of money in exchange for ending the lawsuit. This is common in car accidents, for example, but it can happen in any personal injury claim.
Sustaining an injury and having to file a personal injury claim can turn your life upside down. The process can feel overwhelming and difficult, which is especially awful if you are trying to recover from injuries.
It is critical to know what to expect and what your attorney thinks before filing a personal injury lawsuit. After all, this is something we do all the time. You are in the right place if you are thinking of suing, and with us, you will receive the support and care you will need during this time.