Typical Timeline for a Personal Injury Case

If you have been injured due to the negligent actions of someone else, you will probably want to file a personal injury claim. However, you may wonder about the expected timeline of an injury case. There are certain steps that take place before you are able to ultimately get your settlement.

Get Medical Treatment

Getting medical treatment immediately after an accident is essential and is one of the first injury case steps. You should go to the hospital and get a thorough checkup. This can give you documentation of your injury, treatment you have received and any ongoing care you might require.

Choose an Attorney

You will have to meet with a few personal injury attorneys to find the one you will eventually hire to represent you in your case. Not only do you want a lawyer who has the knowledge and experience to handle your claim, but you will also want to choose the one who meshes with you the best. Your lawyer can also advise you on an expected timeline for your case.

Investigation of Your Personal Injury Claim

After you hire an attorney, they will interview you to learn the details of how your accident and subsequent injury occurred. They will also thoroughly examine your medical records and other important documentation, such as if you have lost time from work. If necessary, your attorney will have their investigative team come in to assist them in determining how the accident happened. Later, they will consult with you on whether or not you have a valid claim.

Makes Demand and Negotiates

Next, your attorney will make a demand of the other party or their insurance company for a settlement. They will fight to get you the best possible amount to cover your medical bills, ongoing treatment, lost wages and other damages. If a satisfactory settlement is not agreed upon, the next step would involve a lawsuit being filed and the case goes to trial.

Personal Injury Claim is Filed

There is a specific amount of time you have to file a personal injury claim. Generally, there is a period of two years from the date of your injury in which you are required to file to ensure that your case is heard by the court. If it is not filed within that period of time, your case will not be heard and you will not be able to recover compensation. This amount of time is known as the statute of limitations.

These are the general steps of the timeline for a personal injury claim. You can breathe more easily while you have the right lawyer on your side.