6 Things to Know About the Personal Injury Lawsuit Process
If you’re injured due to someone else’s actions and considering filing a personal injury lawsuit, it’s critical to understand several important aspects of the personal injury lawsuit process.
You may feel overwhelmed with everything you have to handle at this time. However, taking action based on this information will ultimately bring you peace of mind as you recover from your injuries.
Below, Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers explains six things you need to know about a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania.
One of the first and easiest steps you can take early in the process is hiring a quality personal injury attorney. This can take the burden of understanding legal procedures off your shoulders. We’re here to help. You can contact us by phone or online to schedule a free legal consultation.
1. Contacting a Lawyer Early Will Help Your Chances of Success
After you have addressed any immediate medical issues, you should contact a personal injury lawyer. Hiring a lawyer early in the process will increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Experienced personal injury attorneys are familiar with the personal injury lawsuit process, can help you calculate your damages, and will negotiate for the maximum compensation.
They’re used to dealing with insurance companies and will not fear pushing them to compensate you fairly.
A personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim by the deadline. Filing a personal injury lawsuit is subject to time limits. This time limitation is known as the statute of limitations.
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury case is two years from the date of the injury or accident. There are limited exceptions.
However, you don’t want this deadline to pass. Once this time has expired, you will likely be unable to file a lawsuit. The opposing party would not be obligated to continue any settlement discussions.
The sooner you call a lawyer, the better it can be for your case outcome. Pursuing a personal injury matter can be a complex and time-consuming process.
It requires careful planning, investigation, and legal strategy. By waiting until the last minute, your attorney loses valuable time to conduct a thorough investigation and construct the best case.
2. The Personal Injury Lawsuit Settlement Process Takes Time
Most personal injury lawsuits are settled out-of-court through the personal injury lawsuit settlement process. Sometimes these discussions begin well before anyone files a lawsuit.
However, settlement discussions can continue after you file a claim. In fact, you can settle a case until a judge or jury decides your case after a trial.
The time it takes for the personal injury settlement process to play out can vary. Some cases settle quickly. Others never settle. You should discuss the potential for settlement in your particular case with an experienced attorney.
3. The Damages Available in a Personal Injury Lawsuit May Vary
Unless your case is against the state or local government, Pennsylvania has no cap on compensatory damages in personal injury cases. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate the victim for their losses.
Compensatory damages include the following:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost wages,
- Pain and suffering,
- Loss of companionship,
- Loss of consortium, and
- Mental anguish.
You may also be able to recover other related costs from your injury. An attorney can explain potential compensatory damages in your case.
People often wonder about punitive damages. Unlike compensatory damages, which compensate the injured person, punitive damages punish the responsible party for egregious behavior like gross negligence or reckless conduct.
Punitive damages awards in Pennsylvania personal injury cases do happen, but the specific level of proof involved makes them rare. You should speak with an attorney about the damages available in your case.
4. An Attorney’s Personal Injury Trial Experience Is Important
Most personal injury cases settle outside the courtroom, well before trial. Nonetheless, working with a trial-ready personal injury attorney is essential.
Your personal injury attorney cannot be afraid to go to court. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney must have the experience and resources to litigate your case in court. You should ask any attorney you’re considering how many cases they have taken to trial.
5. Most Personal Injury Lawyers Work on a Contingency Fee Basis
Before you hire a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer, it is important to know their fee arrangement. Most personal injury lawyers do not charge any fees upfront.
Instead, they handle cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing out of pocket. Instead, the lawyer’s fee will be deducted from your settlement or the award after trial. They will also require you to pay any litigation-related costs after you’ve received compensation.
6. Each Personal Injury Lawsuit Is Unique
Injured parties want to know the value of their cases. Unfortunately, there is no accurate settlement calculator that you can find online.
Reviewing published settlements or verdicts can provide insight into what other plaintiffs have received. However, your circumstances may be significantly different than those cases. Many unique case-specific factors are involved in assessing the value of your case. Every case is unique. There is no one-size-fits-all value.
Only a personal injury lawyer with experience litigating cases in your area can help you determine the value of your case. Speak with a personal injury at our office to estimate your potential case value.
Contact Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers Today
Contact the personal injury attorneys at Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers today to receive the highest level of client service. When you hire us, you hire integrity, experience, compassion, and skill. We want to understand your needs and goals so that we can provide you with all your legal options.
Our lawyers will take the time to listen to your story. We will provide you with a straightforward assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
With over 75 years of combined experience, we have a proven process to ensure each client’s case is given one-on-one personal attention from start to finish.
We also have a well-earned reputation as one of the most tenacious personal injury firms in the Philadelphia area. We are passionate about pursuing justice for our clients.
Take your first step and contact us today by phone or online to get the personal injury lawsuit process started.
