A successful personal injury claim can provide you with damages for everything from medical expenses to wages lost due to time off work. These cases are complicated, however, so you won’t receive compensation overnight. While every lawsuit is unique, you can expect your case to go through the following stages.

5 Steps of a Personal Injury Case

1. Consult an Attorney

A lawyer will interview you and review your medical records to determine whether you have a case and who against. If a surgical error is at stake, for instance, should only the operating doctor be held liable—or the hospital that employed him as well?

2. Make a Demand

Next your attorney needs to decide how much your claim is worth. The severity of your injuries is a key consideration but other factors—such as emotional suffering you have endured—can also be taken into account. They will then make a demand to the other side’s attorney or insurance company.

3. Go Through Negotiations

The opposing party will likely come back with a counter-offer. In ensuing negotiations, your lawyer will try to get you the maximum settlement possible. Settling out of court is in your best interests; a trial will take longer and could mean you get nothing if it doesn’t work out in your favor.

4. File a Lawsuit

If you are unable to agree on a settlement, your lawyer will file a lawsuit on. In the pre-trial period, the “discovery” process takes place, in which each side investigates the other’s legal claims. This exchange of information can take anywhere from six months to one year.

5. Settle or Go to Trial

Following discovery, both sides generally come together again to try and reach a settlement agreement through mediation and negotiation. If this proves impossible, the case is scheduled for trial–which can last anywhere from one day to months. The larger the damages requested, the higher the stakes and the longer a case tends to take.

For competent legal guidance regarding a personal injury case in Nevada, trust Kidwell & Gallagher LTD of Elko, NV. Whether you’ve been injured in a mining accident or were hurt in a car crash, they can help. Their accident lawyers are known not only for their professionalism but also for the personalized care they provide. They truly care about their clients—as the testimonials on their website show. For a consultation, call the law firm directly at (775) 738-1000.