The Process of a Personal Injury Lawsuit
One of the most popular questions for a personal injury lawyer Harrisonburg VA residents ask is: what happens in a personal injury lawsuit? If you’ve been injured and are considering filing a claim, or have already filed, you may have the same question. The following information may help you understand the process, from your initial injury to a trial or mediation.
Medical Treatment
Any personal injury lawyer Harrisonburg VA has to offer may tell you to get medical treatment right away after an injury, instead of focusing on a future lawsuit. By getting immediate medical care, you are making sure that your injuries are taken care of and don’t get worse. Additionally, it’s important to the claims process to have prompt medical treatment and documentation of care.
Once you’ve seen a doctor for your injuries, follow the doctor’s orders and take care of yourself. If you have more than just minor injuries, you may want to contact a Harrisonburg personal injury lawyer next.
Hire a Lawyer
Next, do a little research and find a personal injury lawyer in Harrisonburg, VA to contact. Many offer a free consultation, and you may need to call more than one before deciding on the one that best fits your needs, such as a lawyer at MartinWren, P.C.
Once you’ve decided on a personal injury lawyer Harrisonburg VA offers to help you, you may need to set up an appointment right away to review your case. The lawyer you choose may present you with an agreement, and then they will begin working on your case.
Your Lawyer Builds a Case
Now that you’ve chosen a lawyer and they are working to help you, the first thing they may do is research your claim and your medical records. A large part of this may include you answering questions presented to you by your personal injury lawyer Harrisonburg VA residents trust. They may want to know everything you know regarding your accident, injuries, and treatment.
Once they have all the information, it may take several months as they gather your medical records and any bills related to your injuries. Then the lawyer may decide whether you have a strong case, or if they feel there is nothing they can move forward with.
Settlement or Lawsuit
If your lawyer thinks it’s the best decision for your situation, they may contact the other party and discuss a settlement. If nothing can be agreed on, your Harrisonburg personal injury attorney may then move forward with the lawsuit. Note that a settlement isn’t usually pursued before filing a claim when there are serious injuries, or if you are still needing medical treatment to improve.
If a lawsuit is filed, the lawyers of both parties may investigate and interrogate as they request documents and take depositions of witnesses to build their cases.
Mediation, Negotiation, and Trial
As the case is closer to trial, lawyers usually discuss settlement. Many cases are settled before going to trial with the help of lawyers, but some go to mediation. Mediation involves both parties, their lawyers, and a mediator to try to decide on a settlement without going to court. Cases that can’t be settled then go to trial before a judge.
Now that you have a sense of how a personal injury case works, you may want to proceed with calling a personal injury lawyer Harrisonburg VA residents rely on for help at MartinWren, P.C. by calling 434-817-3100 today.
Call 434-817-3100 or complete a Case Evaluation form
