If you have suffered an injury as a result of someone else’s action or inaction, you will need to file a personal injury case. However, before you get started, it is wise to make yourself familiar with the issues so you can get the best outcome possible. These tips will help you go through the personal injury and help you win the case.
Choose your attorney carefully
You must ensure that you are hiring an expert to help you with the case. If the attorney has not done other personal injury cases before, he or she might go through trouble negotiating a settlement with the insurance company, let alone trying to convince the jury that you deserve compensation.
Ask friends and family members if they know of or have worked with an injury lawyer who they would recommend. Ask anybody who refers an attorney to you about the attorney’s competence and preparedness. Check the attorney’s online reviews on Google and Yelp. And, of course, check with the state bar to see if the attorney has a history of any disciplinary proceedings.
Preexisting conditions
Do not assume that a preexisting condition disqualifies you from filing a claim and continuing with the lawsuit. As long as you let your attorney know about any and all conditions or injuries that you had prior to what happened in this case, your attorney will let you know where you stand. Even if the defendant’s conduct exacerbated an existing injury or condition, you may be able to recover compensation. Remember, honesty is vital as dishonesty may rule you out on the court.
Include your lost income
When filing a personal injury claim, remember to include your lost income which includes lost wages when you are away from your workplace due to the injuries. You also want to keep track of any incidental expenses such as driving to and from the hospital and/or doctor’s office. Parking fees should for such trips are also legitimate expenses to include in your claim. Be detailed. Ensure that you do not leave anything out. Explain every aspect of your injury including the minor injuries like bruises and cuts.
Patience is the key
To win a case and get the most out of it, you must learn to wait. Most cases take time to settle. It often will take months or even years to come to a final settlement agreement. No matter how experienced your attorney is, the other side’s willingness to compromise will determine whether or not you have to proceed to trial or whether you can settle for a reasonable amount prior to trial.
You should also be aware that even with a very experienced injury lawyer; your case will be decided by a neutral third party unless you are able to settle out of court. Ultimately, the jury ultimately will determine the verdict.
What about trying to settle the case out of the court?
Depending on the jurisdiction, the court may require that you attempt to mediate the dispute before going to trial. If you are able to resolve the case through mediation and reach a final settlement, you may be better off. A settlement agreement avoids the emotional toll of going to trial and allows you to move on with your life. However, a good settlement usually means neither party got everything they wanted, so you have to be comfortable with that. Fortunately, a settlement shortens the process.
