Tending to injuries resulting from someone else’s actions can be quite a daunting task that leaves an individual in a state of confusion. Whether it is from an accident such as a car accident or a fall on a slippery floor, then it is important to understand your rights. To prevent yourself from financial loss, one of the best things to do is to file a personal injury lawsuit.
This type of lawsuit enables you to claim compensation on medical expenses, wages lost, hardships incurred, among others. Below, we will try to explain each step, starting from the time when you consult with the attorney and ending with the trial stage if necessary.
The First Meeting With Personal Injury Attorneys
This process begins from the initial meeting with personal injury attorneys. This is a very important meeting since it sets the framework of your case. You will say what occurred, present some evidence like photographs or medical letters, and explain how this injury has impacted your life. This information will assist the attorney to understand the degree of aggressiveness of the case and what steps should be taken.
Filing the Lawsuit
When the attorney has concluded that you stand a chance in the case then what follows is to start a suit. This includes preparing written documents called legal papers that point to why you should be paid by that person or company that is responsible for your injury. They are provided to the court and a copy is given to the defendant as a way of enlightening them on the case filed against them.
The Discovery Phase
After the institution of the lawsuit, the two parties proceed to the discovery stage. In this stage, both of them carry out research and analysis on the other’s allegations and counter arguments. They collect documents like medical records and bills, and engage in depositions wherein witnesses and the concerned parties are interviewed under oath.
Negotiations and Mediation
This involves consultations and discussions between your lawyer and the lawyer representing the defendant. If these talks don’t produce a solution, a mediation may be arranged where a neutral third party helps in resolving the dispute. Here, there’s an independent third party that tries to get the two parties to come to a consensus.
The Trial Process
If the parties do not come to a compromise then the case will proceed to trial. It is during trial that the two parties set forth their proofs and submit them to a judge or to a jury. It involves the prosecution and/or the defense presenting their case. The judge or the jury will have to decide whether the defendant has to compensate the plaintiff for the losses they incurred. They also determine how much compensation is ideal.
Conclusion
The process that is involved in a personal injury lawsuit has several phases, each as vital as the other in the overall proceedings of the case. Even if your case does not go to a trial, every phase, starting from consultation with personal injury attorneys, is very important in the resolution of the case. Understanding these will ensure that you feel prepared and confident during your search for justice and compensation for your injury.
