If you have been injured due to another person’s negligence and plan to file a legal claim, talk to a personal injury lawyer about your rights and responsibilities. You don’t want to minimize or lose possible compensation due to lack of information or a misunderstanding. An attorney who specializes in these cases can help you understand the legal process as well as advise you about preparing appropriately.
Deadlines
Legal filings generally follow a specific court-monitored timeline. Documents related to your claim must be correctly completed, signed, and filed with the court house within the designated timeframe in order to keep your case active. If a deadline is missed, the case may be dismissed. Your attorney can explain the chronology to be followed in meeting key dates for your claim to be processed.
Documentation
Depending on the nature of your personal injury, various types of documents may be needed to support your claim. People who are injured in a car accident, for example, should have filed a police report by calling law enforcement at the time of the accident. Lost wages from missed work can be documented by your employer, while medical reports and billing are requested by the attorney with your signed permission. Witness statements may be collected by the attorney as well. You may be asked to keep a journal or timeline of related events, along with the names and contact information of others involved in the incident, for future proceedings.
Court Process
A personal injury lawyer has the training and experience necessary to move your claim through a series of legal hearings and requirements. The attorney will explain what to expect in processes like completing interrogatories, providing a deposition, and preparing for courtroom hearings and meetings. The entire process may seem overwhelming and confusing at first, but a good attorney will help you understand how the process works.
Preparation
Each step of the claim process comes with certain expectations for the claimant. There are things you should say or not say. You may be advised to dress a specific way. Your attorney may suggest you arrive within a designated time period before each proceeding. Additional information may be required during the course of legally pursuing your personal injury claim. You should also ask the attorney questions about anything that seems unclear. Find out whether the attorney prefers email, text, or phone consultations for these consultations.
If you are hurt by another person, it is good to have a competent attorney on your side. Work closely with your lawyer to ensure that your claim is handled efficiently and expeditiously.