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What happens after personal injury lawsuit is filed?

Though the number of personal injury cases continues to fall, many Americans still suffer personal injuries due to the negligence of others and seek compensation for damages.

Before the internet became accessible to all, many people didn’t know about personal injury claims, not to mention filing one. However, times have changed, and many people know they may be eligible to seek financial compensation for an injury caused by another person.

Perhaps you or a loved one have suffered injuries due to another party’s negligence; you probably already know you stand a great chance at receiving compensation by hiring a personal injury lawyer.

But what happens after filing an injury lawsuit? Are there things you might need to do? Does the case go to trial immediately? This article highlights what happens after filing a claim and discusses the steps to filing a personal injury claim.

What Next After Filing a Personal Injury Claim?

If your injury case qualifies, in most cases, the following happens after filing an injury lawsuit:

The attorney representing you – the plaintiff – and the attorney representing the at-fault party – the defendant – begin investigating the cause and circumstances around the accident.
Each party might request information to demonstrate the cause and consequences of the incident: photos of the accident scene, dash cam footage, and traffic camera footage.
Each side might conduct dispositions, asking involved parties and witnesses questions to strengthen their defense.
After determining fault and negligence, each side might resolve to negotiate a settlement outside the courtroom.

A personal injury attorney might be able to negotiate a favorable settlement on your behalf. The compensation may cover your medical bills and other injury-related losses and expenses, letting you resolve your injury case without going to trial.

How Does Settlement Negotiation Work in Pittsburgh?

Settlement negotiations can occur anytime during your injury case; if successful, you may receive financial benefits without going to trial. Though your lawyer negotiates with the at-fault party on your behalf, you’ll make the final decision.

Personal injury lawyers are excellent at valuing claims, so rest assured they won’t watch you get cheated. Your injury lawyer would explain the merits of each offer and provide expert advice regarding each one.

Settlement negotiations can be tough, but personal injury lawyers work tirelessly to obtain a suitable outcome for their clients.

Proper Steps to Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Assess the Accident

Assess the accident and injuries you or others may have sustained and seek prompt medical attention.

If your injuries were minor, gather as much information about the accident, your injuries, and other injured victims. Take photos, request witnesses’ contact details, and persuade them to remain at the scene to give statements.

Seek Medical Attention

The next step is seeking medical help. Most accident victims don’t experience pain right away, making them dismiss seeking medical care. However, injuries aren’t only physical; you might suffer internal ones.

Inform your medical provider of the accident and discuss even the most insignificant pain or irregularity you’ve experienced since the incident. Ensure you follow up on referrals and avoid delayed treatment, as medical records are essential for documenting personal injury cases.

Remember to ask your physician what to expect during recovery, whether or not the pain will linger, if you may undergo surgery in the future, and how the injury may affect your lifestyle.

Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer is the most suitable way to ensure the receipt of befitting benefits for your claim. Personal injury lawyers are excellent at evaluating claims, ensuring you receive compensation for all damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and future losses.

A typical Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer may offer you a free consultation. When seeking legal representation, consider law firms or personal injury attorneys with significant experience regarding your type of case.

Since not all personal injury cases are the same, choosing an expert in the area your case falls under would be a bonus.

Negotiating Settlement

Personal injury cases don’t always get to court. Before filing an injury lawsuit, your lawyer may attempt to negotiate a settlement, and you may be required to sign a release form when settling an injury case.

Avoid signing a release until you’re aware of the full extent of your injuries and other losses: the release will prevent you from making any future claims against the at-fault party.

Filing a Lawsuit

Not all settlement negotiations succeed. In such a case, your lawyer may need to file a lawsuit against the party at fault. Settlement negotiations often fail due to the response of the at-fault party’s insurance company.

Going to Trial

Before trial, your case might be set for depositions, where the attorneys for both sides and a court reporter are present. Unlike at trials, there’s no judge or jury present at depositions.

Filing an Appeal

Filing an appeal may be the next best step should your case get dismissed before trial or you lose the case. Filing an appeal has time limits, so inform your attorney as soon as you decide to go ahead.

What Qualifies as a Personal Injury Case?

You may be eligible for financial compensation if your injury was caused by negligence and you can prove the following:

The party at fault owed you a duty of care.
That the at-fault party breached the duty of care.
That the breach in the duty of care caused your injuries.
That the injuries impacted you financially.