The U.S. legal system encompasses rules addressing everything from copyright to child custody. Personal injury law relates to instances where a person suffers physical or psychological harm due to the negligence of another individual, business, government agency, or corporation. The damages received can help cover costs related to medical expenses and wages lost due to time off work.

How Personal Injury Proceedings Work

If you have been hurt and believe another individual is to blame, you may want to file a personal injury claim. Here, the law firm of Williams, Hall & Latherow, LLP in Ashland, KY, explains how the process works.    

Unlike criminal cases, a personal injury suit is usually filed as a civil complaint against the body you believe responsible for causing harm. The suit will detail the alleged careless or irresponsible behavior that brought about the accident. The key is to prove the other party’s negligence was directly responsible for your injury.

If a store owner fails to clean up a spill or post any warning signs around the wet area, they can be deemed negligent. If you slipped and fell in the puddle and sustained an injury, you may have an injury case.

Most claims are resolved through settlements outside of court. The claimant will be awarded a specific amount of damages. In return, they must agree to forgo any further action—like a lawsuit—against the plaintiff. If the offer is insufficient, and the other party is unwilling to negotiate, then the case may proceed to trial.

The best way to determine the strength of a potential personal injury claim is to speak with an attorney who will examine the specifics of your case. For help in Ashland, KY, look to Williams, Hall & Latherow, LLP. This full-service law firm has been helping clients since 2000. From business law to medical negligence cases, they have expertise in an array of practice areas. Visit their website or call (606) 329-1919 for more information.