Personal injury cases are brought in by mental anguish or physical injuries that are caused due to the negligence or voluntary actions of another person or party. These cases can include product defects, auto accidents and character defamation among several others.
Even though each case is unique, you can benefit from letting competent personal injury lawyers such as Sattiraju & Tharney review your case. Consulting an experienced attorney will help you understand your future options which are essential in going forward.
Here are the relevant steps that you should promptly undertake in case of personal injury.
1) Early Consultation
Following the event of injury, you should immediately start your search for a successful lawyer to get advice about the future course of action.
During the appointment, you will be questioned about the incident’s circumstances and the nature of your injuries. The attorney may ask several follow-up questions based on the details you offer about the accident. It can be helpful to provide your medical records and the police report (if available).
Once all the relevant information about the case is explained, the attorney will lay out the best alternatives to opt for and the potential compensation that you can receive for your injuries.
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2) Documentation
If you decide to pursue your personal injury case with a lawyer of your choice, then you can begin filling out the legal documents. Your attorney will lodge a formal complaint against the responsible party. The responsible party will be referred to as the defendant, while you will be the plaintiff.
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3) Discovery
After the other party is aware of the lawsuit against them, both the parties formally enter the discovery phase. Both legal teams will exchange legal documents and evidence to help their clients.
Depositions may happen during the discovery process. An attorney can obtain sworn testimony from a witness during a deposition. These declarations need not be made in front of a judge in a courtroom. The person giving the deposition may be the defendant or a crucial accident eyewitness.
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4) Mediation and Settlement
Towards the end of the discovery period, lawyers from both parties will hold meetings to discuss the situation and come to a fitting settlement. The case’s strength is better understood by the end of the discovery phase.
In an event where both the parties do not reach an agreement, a third-party mediator can be brought into the process. This will result in an unbiased mediation that can result in agreeable settlement and solutions.
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5) Trial
Even after mediation, the two parties might not come to settlement terms. In this case, going for a trial is the only remaining option. The majority of personal injury cases are solved through settlements. However, a trial is always a possibility that one should be prepared for.
A reputable law firm with a successful career in helping people with their personal injury cases should be hired. Their capable attorneys shall go the extra mile for you to ensure that you are compensated accordingly.