What is a personal injury lawsuit?
Personal injury lawsuits arise when someone has behaved carelessly, or negligently, and caused bodily injury to another person. When a person has been injured by another’s carelessness, they are entitled to be compensated for their injuries. The law requires that the injured party, the plaintiff, prove that the negligent party, the defendant, caused their injuries. A plaintiff must also show the court how they have been damaged and request money for these damages. Then, within the “statute of limitations,” which differs depending on the type of case, the plaintiff must file their claim in the proper court. This can present a number of technical issues that are sometimes difficult to argue in court. For example:
* What if you do not know who caused your injuries?
* When will you know the extent of your injuries?
* How will you know in which court to file your suit?
Do I need an attorney?
Once the lawsuit is filed, the real work begins. This may include questioning of the plaintiff, under oath, by a defense attorney. The defense may request that the plaintiff undergo a medical examination by the defense’s medical team. Insurance adjusters may insist on photographing the plaintiff’s property. In the meantime, medical bills, court fees, and missed paychecks will begin to stack up. This stage will leave you with a variety of new questions, such as:
* What information do I need to give the defense?
* When should I accept a settlement?
* How much longer will this suit continue?
These are just a few of the many questions that can be easily answered when you have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side. At the law firm of Woodruff Johnson & Palermo, personal injury lawsuits are our specialty. Our team of skilled and knowledgeable attorneys has a combined experience of 70 years responding to questions just like these. If you are in search of a personal injury lawyer in Elgin who will guide you through the maze of litigation, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
