From Consultation to Settlement: Legal Pathways for Personal Injury Victims

Have you been in an accident at work due to another person’s negligence? Did you sustain injuries as a passenger in a car crash? Were you assaulted or battered by a stranger or someone you know? If you answer yes to any of these questions, then you may have a solid personal injury claim against the individual who caused you physical or emotional pain. 

While you can certainly take them to court, you can likely attain a settlement in a personal injury case. According to a Forbes report, around 95% of civil cases eventually reach settlements, and this may happen at any stage of the case. For most people, settling outside of court can be the better option since they will not have to experience the stress of going to trial. If you accept the settlement offer, you will get compensation for your personal injury based on the agreed terms. That is the best outcome because if you litigate or go to court, there is a possibility that you will not get anything after the trial. If you are a personal injury victim, here is what you need to know to get the compensation that you may rightfully deserve. 

Types of Personal Injury Claims

There are many types of personal injury lawsuits, but one of the most common is slip and fall accidents, which can happen in stores, companies, workplaces, and even in private or rented properties. Car accidents are also prevalent. According to the World Health Organization, every year, between 20 to 50 million people globally suffer non-fatal injuries from car crashes, with the majority incurring a disability. Being a victim of medical malpractice or product liability can also be grounds for a personal injury lawsuit, defamation, and dog or cat bites. 

Consult a Lawyer

If you were injured or someone caused you harm, you need to act fast and seek medical attention immediately. Doing so ensures your well-being and gets accurate documentation of your injuries if you can take many videos or photos or ask a witness to do it. You can get a free consultation from personal injury lawyers at www.cohenfeeley.com and provide them with all the necessary information to help them build a solid personal injury claim on your behalf. 

When looking for a personal injury lawyer, you must ensure they have years of experience handling similar cases. Ask for referrals or check reviews to know more about a lawyer’s track record and ensure they specialize in personal injury cases. In addition, ask the lawyer about their experience and record of winning cases.

Preserve the Evidence

After choosing a lawyer, they will gather evidence, interview witnesses and other individuals relevant to the case, and obtain police reports. Your attorney must have all the bills and medical documents related to your injuries to maximize your compensation. 

Once you start the process of filing a personal injury claim, take care to preserve all the evidence and keep essential documents in a safe place. Your attorney will then start the negotiation process with the insurance company of the person who caused you harm. At this point, the insurance company will offer an initial amount, and you can expect it to be lower than your lawyer deems appropriate compensation for your injury. Do not accept it, and try not to lose your cool. Instead, let your attorney explain why the offer is inadequate. Ideally, your lawyer should devise a strategy to get the maximum settlement for your personal injury compensation. 

Be Consistent and Go on a Social Media Break

When negotiating a settlement, your lawyer may include future recovery costs, such as therapy and medication. Your claim may also include future or long-term damages. One example is lost wages for future work missed due to your condition. The settlement may also include property repairs or renovation if the injury makes you temporarily or permanently need a wheelchair. 

If you claim severe injuries, be consistent when asked about them since you will never know if someone is fishing for information from the other party. A social media break during the settlement process is also a good idea. Remember that even a single Instagram post that disproves your claims can affect your case. 

File a Lawsuit

If you do not get a favorable result from the initial settlement negotiations, your attorney may advise you to file a lawsuit. Prepare to spend a lot of time on this, as filing a lawsuit involves drafting and filing a complaint in court. Your attorney must prove that the other party is liable for your injuries to win. In most cases, establishing liability for the injury due to the other party’s negligence is essential. 

The personal injury settlement process can be challenging. But with the help of an experienced lawyer, you can get the compensation you need to take care of your present and future well-being.