Every personal injury claim is different from one another. However, they may have some similarities as there are different stages of the process. Sometimes, people may move through their cases quicker than others. Other cases can take anywhere from months to years. The length can depend on different factors, including the severity of the injury, the number of parties involved, and the damages being sought.
Stages of a Personal Injury Claim
While each person’s experience with their claim may be different, the stages of a personal injury claim usually include the following:
- Hiring an attorney
- Building your case
- Settlement negotiations
- Trial
- Jury verdict and possible appeals
Establishing Liability
When establishing liability after an accident, it may be necessary to conduct an investigation. This can be done with the help of a personal injury attorney to establish how the accident happened, who is at fault, and the damages that are expected in the long term. This information is important to know what the claim is worth. Damages that may be present in a personal injury claim can include the following:
- Current and projected medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Current and projected future lost wages
- Any home modifications or adaptive technologies that are necessary
- Property damage
- Costs related to permanent consequences, such as paralysis or loss of a limb
- Any additional expenses related to the accident and injuries
The Process of a Personal Injury Claim
After a claim is filed, the process of “discovery” begins. This is when the attorney and client gather information for the case. This can be accomplished through interviews, reviewing documents and reports, and additional investigative methods. This allows the injured party to build a strong claim to be proven in court if necessary. It is important to know that many cases do not even make it to court. Instead, personal injury claims are settled through settlement negotiations or mediation before the case goes to trial.
If a case does not settle, a trial will be scheduled. Anyone involved in a personal injury claim should be aware that a trial date depends on the schedule of the court. Therefore, it is possible to wait for months before seeing the courtroom. Then, the length of the trial itself can be a few days or much longer depending on whether an appeal takes place.
Contact our Firm
The Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz has decades of experience representing clients in Howard County and Anne Arundel County, Maryland who have been charged with a crime. If you are facing criminal charges, let our firm explore all possible defenses and fight to protect your future. We also represent individuals who have been injured by the negligence of another party. Contact the Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz today to discuss your case.
