If you have been injured in an accident that was someone else’s fault and are thinking of filing a lawsuit, it is important that you understand the stages involved. Although every personal injury case takes different forms, the stages remain constant. A typical personal injury lawsuit will involve the following stages:
Hiring a lawyer: The first step in the legal process is to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. After you have hired your lawyer, he will investigate the circumstances of your case and determine if you are eligible to file for compensation.
Making a demand: Your attorney will send out a demand letter to the at fault party and their representative specifying the liability issues and the losses you have sustained including medical costs, lost income, future loss of earnings and other damages sustained. The defense may either agree to the terms or attempt to negotiate a settlement.
Filing a lawsuit: If a settlement cannot be reached between you and the at fault party, you may file a lawsuit with the appropriate court.
Fact finding or discovery stage: After a lawsuit has been filed, both parties are allowed to undertake a formal investigation of the case. During this stage, the attorneys for both sides will collect evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records. This process may take 6 months to more than a year.
Negotiation and settlement: Settlement and negotiation may occur at any point during a personal injury case. At this stage, the parties can negotiate and settle the case before trial. Sometimes, a settlement is reached after a lawsuit is filed and sometimes just before the trial. In many cases, a settlement is reached before trial.
Trial: This is the final stage of a personal injury case in which the jury makes the final decision about who was at fault and how much money should be awarded to the victim. The trial stage may last several days or weeks, depending on the case.
Contact Our Stamford Personal Injury Lawyers
If you have sustained an injury because of someone’s negligence, we can help. We will investigate the circumstances of your case and work diligently to ensure that you receive a fair compensation. Call 203-541-0090 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. We do not charge a fee unless we win your case.