People get injured every day in a wide variety of ways. However, when you’re hurt due to someone else’s negligent actions, you have a right to pursue compensation. Should you decide to file a personal injury claim, it’s important to know what to expect. The process can be long and complicated, but the more prepared you are, the better your chances of a successful outcome. The following guide gives an overview of the steps you’ll need to go through to recover damages.

What’s Involved in Filing a Personal Injury Claim?

Consulting an Attorney

Once you’ve been examined by a doctor and had your injuries treated, it’s wise to consult with a personal injury attorney. They’ll determine whether you have an actionable claim and can prove the other party’s negligence. If so, they’ll set you up with the appropriate paperwork to file your complaint. 

Investigation & Discovery 

Next, your attorney will begin investigating the details of your accident to form a clear picture of what happened and help quantify how much you’re entitled to receive. They’ll begin collecting evidence they can use to build a strong case on your behalf. This includes medical records, police reports, witness testimony, photos of your injuries, wage information, and receipts for injury-related expenses.

Sending a Demand Letter

After your attorney has all the information they need to evaluate your personal injury claim, they will send a demand letter to the other party’s insurance company or lawyer. This is a request for the amount they believe you’re owed based on the severity and extent of your injuries. The letter will detail the facts obtained through the investigation along with a list of your expenses and damages.

Negotiations 

In most cases, the other party will not agree with the amount requested in the demand letter and will send back a counteroffer, which starts the negotiation process. They will go back and forth with your attorney until both sides have reached an agreement they believe is fair. 

Settlement or Trial

Should you accept a settlement offer, your case will end there without going to trial. The majority of personal injury claims are settled outside of court. However, if you can’t come to an agreement, your attorney will move forward with filing a lawsuit. A trial can take several weeks, depending on the complexity of the situation. Both sides will present their evidence, and a judge or jury will decide if anything should be awarded.

If you’ve been harmed because of another person’s negligence, reach out to Greene Law PC in Farmington, CT, for help. They’ll guide you through each step of the process and provide zealous representation as they fight to ensure you receive maximum compensation. Offering more than 25 years of experience, they’re qualified to handle all types of personal injury cases. Call (860) 676-1336 to schedule a free consultation or visit them online for more information on the areas of practice they focus on.