If you’re seeking ways to recoup compensation for losses after an accident or injury, filing a personal injury case may be the most effective solution. The following guide outlines the steps involved in filing a suit to give you a better understanding of what lies ahead. 

What to Expect When Filing a Personal Injury Suit

1. Hire Your Attorney

Before you do anything else, hire an attorney to represent your interests. An attorney will handle preparation and communications when dealing with the other party’s insurance company. In your initial consultations with an attorney, they’ll establish what happened, the injuries you sustained, and the impact of those injuries on your life and financial position.

2. Prepare a Settlement Package

Once your lawyer understands the scope of your case, they’ll prepare a package to present to the insurance company with details of your case and a demand for settlement.  If a settlement cannot be reached within a reasonable time, then a lawsuit will be prepared and filed on your behalf.  

3. Discovery

During the lawsuit, both parties will gather evidence to support their cases. For you, evidence will include medical records that define the severity of your injuries, invoices for the medical bills you’ve paid, documentation of lost income from missed work, and projections about anticipated future costs of your care. Your attorney will also collect video footage and photographs from the scene along with eyewitness testimony.

4. Mediation

The parties may mediate the case with a qualified mediator to see if a settlement can be reached.. Most plaintiffs and defendants prefer to settle personal injury suits outside of a courtroom.

5. Go to Trial

If the case cannot be settled, then the case will go to trial.  During the trial, both parties will present their cases to a judge or jury.  After the close of the case, the judge or jury will render a decision. 

If you need an attorney to help you move forward with a personal injury case, turn to the professionals at Nichols, Speidel & Nichols in Batavia, OH. Since 1925, they’ve provided residents throughout Clermont County with top-quality legal counsel, helping victims recover the compensation they deserve after an accident. Visit them online to learn more about their firm, or call (513) 732-1420 to set up a consultation today.