A personal injury claim is a claim that arises as a result of sustaining injuries at the hands of someone else, whether directly or indirectly. If you are recovering from debilitating injuries because a third party acted in a reckless or negligent way, you may have a valid personal injury case. The first step for filing a claim and pursuing compensation is talking to a personal injury attorney about your situation. When you’re in need of legal help, turn to the team at MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C. in Middletown, NY, to discuss your case and get assistance with the claims process.

If you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit, you will be considered the plaintiff, or victim, and the party from which you are seeking compensation will be the defendant. In some cases, multiple parties are liable for your injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney will help you determine who may be responsible for the accident so you can name them in your lawsuit.

After your attorney files the initial court papers on your behalf, your case will enter the discovery phase. During this process, your attorney will aim to gather as many details about the incident as possible. Depending on what arises during discovery and how it contributes to your case, the defendants may attempt to negotiate a settlement before the case goes to trial. Most personal injury cases are resolved during this phase, and very few of them actually go to trial.

During negotiations, it is critical to not let the opposing party’s aggressive tactics convince you to accept an unfair offer. Your attorney will ensure the other party’s insurance company does not bully you into settling for anything less than what you deserve. If you cannot reach a settlement, the case will then go to trial and your attorney will help you prepare for standing before a judge.

The claims process is complicated, but a personal injury attorney from MacVean, Lewis Sherwin & McDermott, P.C. in Middletown, NY, will guide you every step of the way. Visit their website to learn more about their areas of practice, including elder law and commercial litigation, and call (845) 343-3000 to schedule an initial consultation with a personal injury attorney today. You can also connect with the law firm on Facebook.