If you were involved in an accident that resulted in injuries, you may be eligible to seek compensation. However, before filing a personal injury claim, you must first determine if you have a valid case against another individual or entity. There are many legal issues surrounding the concept of negligence, which can make it difficult to know right away if you are entitled to hold someone else financially responsible for your losses. As experienced injury attorneys serving the residents of Hamilton, OH, the team at Pater, Pater & Halverson suggest that potential claimants ask themselves the following questions to help identify whether or not they have grounds to pursue restitution. 

What to Ask Yourself Before Filing a Personal Injury Claim 

1. Were You Injured?

To file a personal injury claim, you must have been physically or psychologically injured. This means it’s not sufficient enough to simply experience property damage. A personal injury can happen in many ways and take numerous forms, but it must be serious enough to constitute significant medical treatment. Keep in mind the full extent of your injuries may not show up right away, so it’s important to monitor your condition and get examined by a health care professional. 

2. Is Someone Else at Fault for Your Injuries? 

Next, you must establish that you were harmed due to another party’s negligent behavior. While every personal injury case is unique, they must all include the same elements used to prove liability. As the plaintiff, you will need to show the defendant named in your claim had a legal and moral duty to keep you from getting hurt, they breached their duty with careless action or inaction, this directly lead to your injuries, and you experienced financial hardship as a result. 

3. Are You Suffering a Substantial Loss From Your Injuries?

Finally, to be awarded damages in a personal injury case, you have to have suffered a substantial loss. Your losses can be both economic and non-economic. Common examples of recoverable damages are medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity, diminished quality of life, and loss of companionship. 

In the event you’re able to answer yes to each of these questions, it’s likely you have a solid basis for filing a personal injury case. Should you decide to move forward with a claim, working with an attorney from Pater, Pater & Halverson will maximize your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. Contact them at (513) 867-1411 or visit their website for more information on how they can help you achieve a favorable outcome.