Personal injury cases arise when someone is hurt due to the negligent actions of another. Many choose to file a claim to seek compensation, which commonly happens after incidents such as car accidents, dog bites, medical malpractice, and slip and falls. Despite how frequently these claims occur, there are still many misconceptions about what the process entails and what you are owed. Before you begin, review the following information. 

3 Basic Facts to Know About Personal Injury Cases

1. A Valid Claim Must Have Certain Elements

It’s important to recognize that getting hurt isn’t enough to file a successful personal injury claim. You must also be able to prove the other party should be held liable for the damages. In effect, you must show that they had a duty of care to keep you out of harm’s way, they breached the obligation, and you suffered as a direct result.

2. It’s Possible to Recover Both Physical & Emotional Damages

The amount you’re entitled to pursue for your injuries may extend beyond your medical bills. When liability is successfully proven, there’s a good chance you will also be able to recover damages for lost wages, property, and pain and suffering. If you’re filing a wrongful death claim on behalf of a loved one, your award may include funeral expenses and loss of companionship too.

3. Claims Can Settle In or Out of Court

Not all personal injury claims go to trial. It’s not uncommon for attorneys to negotiate a fair settlement for their clients outside of the courtroom. However, if the two parties can’t reach an agreement, the case requires litigation before a judge and possibly a jury. Your lawyer will take whichever route they feel will give you the best chance to maximize your compensation.

The more you learn about personal injury claims before pursuing your restitution, the better prepared you will be for the process. Since 1980, the legal team at Ibold & O'Brien has been helping Chardon, OH, injury victims recover the full compensation they deserve. Their expertise spans a wide range of cases, making them qualified to provide a high level of representation in any situation. Contact them at (440) 607-5228, or visit them online for more information about what they offer.