When you’re hurt, it’s hard to keep your wits about you. However, there are several very important things you should do after being injured, especially if you are injured due to the negligence of someone else.
Understanding a little about the basics of injury law will help you find the silver lining in your situation. Take a moment now to read through a brief look at some basic information about injury law, and consider your next step towards healing.
Understanding the type of case
Speaking in broad terms, there are two categorizations for legal cases in the United States. You either have a civil or a criminal case, and injury cases fall under the category of civil law.
Criminal law involves an individual being charged for a crime by a government-run agency. Civil cases, however, involve two parties. Civil cases can involve two individuals and/or businesses, which places your personal injury case in this particular legal category.
Insurance settlement offers aren’t always fair
Insurance providers are running a business first and foremost. The compensation quote an insurance company offers you won’t always be a fair amount for the damage and suffering you weathered.
Now is the time to educate yourself on the stages of a personal injury lawsuit. Sometimes you have to take the next step, and take your injury situation to a court of law.
Two likely outcomes for your case
Know the possible outcomes going into your personal injury lawsuit. If you already have an idea of what to expect, it will be easier to traverse the various steps it takes to reach the outcome of your personal injury case.
You could file a formal lawsuit. You file a civil complaint against the person or business responsible for your injury, and you are charged to state how you believe they acted carelessly or irresponsibly to cause your injury.
Most of the time, personal injury cases are settled before they ever have to go through a slew of court proceedings. An informal settlement agreement is typically reached to save both parties the trouble of taking the case further.
Check out the statute of limitations
If you hope to win your case for compensation, you’ll have to file your claim before the statute of limitations has passed. The statute of limitations on your case is set by state law, so consult an attorney for specifics.
Hire a capable lawyer to forward your case
The key to a favorable outcome to your personal injury case is hiring a competent attorney to guide you through the process. Take the time to research local legal representation, and hire someone who has a record to back their excellence.