If you’ve been injured through no fault of your own, you might be entitled to financial compensation. A civil suit offers you the path to damages for your physical, emotional, and financial losses, but going it alone can be a major mistake.
The first thing an attorney can do for you is answer your questions about the personal injury timeline. This can provide you with a clear picture of what to expect every step of the way. Let our attorneys at Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy help you make the most out of your case while keeping you updated on the status of your claim.
Seeking Medical Care
Your first priority after suffering a serious injury must be your health. Whether it’s a car accident, slip-and-fall, dog bite, or other incident, seeing a doctor right away—even if your injuries seem minor at first—can improve your prognosis and strengthen a potential civil claim. Your condition can worsen over time without treatment, especially after the initial shock from your injury wears off. What’s more, your medical records can strengthen your civil case by documenting your condition and the steps you took to care for yourself.
Hiring an Attorney
Once your immediate medical needs are addressed, your next step is to speak with a personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case, explain your rights, and handle communications with insurance companies on your behalf. Your attorney can answer important questions about how long your case might take or what damages may be available.
Investigating and Case Building
After you’ve hired a lawyer, they will begin a detailed investigation into your case. This stage typically involves:
- Reviewing police reports and medical records
- Gathering additional evidence, such as video footage or expert opinions
- Interviewing witnesses
- Assessing the full scope of your damages
During this phase, you’ll continue receiving treatment. Your attorney may recommend waiting to file a claim until the extent of your injuries is fully understood, especially if long-term care is needed.
Settlement Negotiations
Many personal injury claims are resolved at this stage. Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company, using the evidence gathered to push for a settlement that reflects the full value of your damages. This process can take weeks or months, depending on the complexity of the case and the willingness of the insurer to negotiate in good faith.
If both sides reach an agreement, you’ll sign a release, and the case will be closed. The insurer will then issue a check, and your attorney will distribute the funds — paying any outstanding medical bills or liens, deducting legal fees, and delivering your portion of the settlement.
Filing a Lawsuit
If negotiations stall or the insurer denies your claim, your attorney may file a personal injury lawsuit. This step shifts the case into the court system and starts a formal legal process.
It’s important to understand that filing a lawsuit doesn’t always mean that the case will go to trial. In fact, many lawsuits are settled before the trial date arrives. Still, it’s an essential tool for applying pressure and preserving your right to pursue full compensation.
One of the critical stages of any personal injury lawsuit is discovery. This phase involves both sides sharing documents and evidence that they expect to use at trial. Not only does this prevent surprises in court, but it also frequently jumpstarts settlement talks.
Going to Trial
Most of the time, your personal injury case will never go to trial. Most cases are resolved through a negotiated settlement long before you ever have to set foot inside a courtroom. That said, there are times when no amount of negotiating can secure you a fair outcome. In these cases, going to trial is your best chance at getting the result you deserve. Our attorneys will not only prepare you for the possibility of testifying, but we will also work tirelessly to settle your claim until the last possible moment. In some cases, it’s possible to make a deal in the moments before a trial starts.
Let Us Walk You Through the Personal Injury Timeline
From car accidents to injuries at work, our team at Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy is here to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Not only can we assist with navigating the personal injury claim process, but we’ll put our experience to work to get you the best possible outcome. Reach out today to discuss your case during a free consultation.
