If you were injured by another person or at a place of business, you might be able to get money for your medical care if you hire a lawyer and file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you'll want to understand your rights and learn how the laws in your area work first, so you'll know if a case is worth pursuing. The first step is to talk to a personal injury attorney. The first visit is often free, so there is nothing to risk. Here are some things you'll want to find out.
Whether Someone Else Is At Fault Or Liable
When you go for your first visit to the attorney, be sure to take as much supporting evidence as you can so he or she can determine if someone else is responsible for the injury. If you were in a vehicle accident, you'll want to get a copy of the police report and bring photos if you have them. If your state is a no-fault state, you'll need to know the restrictions on filing a suit as well as the limits on the potential award.
If your injury happened in a public place, you'll want to provide information that helps the attorney determine if the owner was negligent. You might also have a case if your injury was caused by a product that malfunctioned or even if you used the product correctly but were injured anyway.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations
If the injury wasn't recent, you may be too late to take action. Each state has its own regulations on the window of time to file a personal injury lawsuit. The time might even vary according to the type of injury you received. One of the first things you'll want to find out is if you are still within the time limits for filing your suit because if the time has passed, you won't be able to go to court.
What Happens When You Win Or Lose
Your attorney may be able to estimate the amount of compensation you'll receive if you win the case based on his or her experience. However, if you go to trial, the award will be determined by the judge or jury. If you settle out of court, which is a likely scenario, the amount you receive will be determined after a period of negotiation. You may also be concerned about what happens if you lose the case. If you hire a lawyer that works on contingency, you'll only pay if you win your case. So, you'll want to know your attorney's terms before you proceed.
You probably have many questions about filing a personal injury case, and you may be stressed due to financial hardships caused by your injury. Talking to an attorney, such as Townsend, Richard, can give you peace of mind, and more importantly result in the financial help you need to deal with an injury that is the fault of someone else.
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