Only around 4% of personal injury cases go through the trial phase. There are a lot of steps in the process before you have to go to a courtroom. Most cases are resolved somewhere along that path.
If a client has never had a claim for personal injury, it can be a little confusing. Everyone wants to know what to expect so they can be as prepared as possible before filing. Check out this guide for a step-by-step process to go through personal injury claims.
Decide Case Legitimacy
Before you take any steps towards filing your claim, it’s a good idea for the client to make sure they have a legitimate case. Unfortunately, not all accidents will turn into cases where there is a payout awarded. No one wants to waste their time and resources if there’s no chance of success.
Every potential claimant should take time checking out other personal injury claims examples to see if theirs makes sense.
Find the Right Lawyer
Once it’s been determined that there is enough cause to file a claim, the client will want to find a lawyer.
There are so many different law specialties, it’s important to find one that has expertise in personal injury. The experience and knowledge of a personal injury lawyer are invaluable in presenting a solid argument. This will help the client make the best decisions along every step of the process.
Gather Documents and Evidence
In order to be successful in a personal injury claim, the client must be able to prove the fault of the accident and the damage that was caused. This is done through documentation that can be presented to the other party and the court, if necessary.
This kind of documentation will depend on the exact type of personal injury case you have. This could include medical records, proof of work loss, or proof of the cause of the accident.
Inform Other Parties and File the Claim
After the client has done all of the prep work for their case, they can move forward by informing the other parties of the suit. Nothing can happen until the other party involved has the opportunity to respond to the claim.
Sometimes this will lead to a mediation session where a settlement will be reached outside of the court system. Other times, the case will move forward through the court system and be decided on by a judge.
File a Claim for Personal Injury
Having to file a claim for personal injury can be a very difficult process. Not only will the client be dealing with their injury and the other consequences of the accident, but they’ll also have to figure out the court system and follow each step exactly.
This is why working with a great team of lawyers is the most important step. An amazing personal injury law firm can make all the difference in both the experience of a client and the outcome of the case.
Our team has helped countless people work through personal injury claims with great success. If you’re interested in seeing how we can help you, contact us today!