As a Tampa personal injury lawyer, I’ve seen firsthand how daunting the legal process can seem to those who are unfamiliar with it. It’s my job to guide clients through these complex procedures and ensure they understand each step. Here, I will explain the basic stages of a personal injury claim in an effort to demystify the process.
The first stage is often referred to as ‘pre-litigation’. During this phase, your attorney will gather all necessary information about your case. This includes medical records, accident reports, witness statements and any other evidence that may support your claim. Once all information has been collected and evaluated, your attorney will typically attempt to negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
If negotiations fail or if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement amount, then we move into litigation. The litigation process begins when your attorney files a lawsuit on your behalf against the at-fault party. Once filed, both parties engage in discovery – where each side investigates the other’s legal claims and defenses.
During discovery, depositions may be taken where witnesses give sworn testimony that can later be used in court. Your lawyer will prepare you for this deposition by explaining what questions you might face and advising you on how best to respond.
After discovery comes trial preparation which involves organizing all evidence and formulating arguments for court presentation. At trial, both sides present their case before a judge or jury who then decides whether the defendant should be held liable for your injuries and if so, how much compensation you should receive.
Throughout this entire process from pre-litigation through trial preparation – it is essential that communication between client and attorney remains open and clear. You have every right to know what is happening with your case at all times; after all it is not just any case—it’s YOUR case!
In conclusion: The legal process involved in pursuing a personal injury claim can certainly seem overwhelming but remember—you’re not alone. As a Tampa personal injury lawyer near me, I am here to help you navigate through it all with the goal of securing the maximum compensation for your injuries.
While this explanation gives a broad overview of the process, each case is unique and may involve additional steps or complexities. Therefore, if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, it’s important that you seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through the specific details of your individual case.
Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers
730 S Sterling Ave #305, Tampa, FL 33609
813-605-1100