If you've been injured because of someone else's negligence or recklessness, you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim against the responsible party. A major accident can leave you with skyrocketing bills, from medical care to lost wages, not to mention significant pain and suffering. An injury claim lets you seek damages for these setbacks. Below, learn more about the process with answers to common questions about personal injury claims.

What to Know About Personal Injury Claims

Do I have a valid personal injury claim?

In general, there are four elements that comprise a valid injury claim. First, there must be an accepted duty of care between the two parties. For instance, a driver has a responsibility to operate their vehicle safely and in accordance with the rules of the road.

Second, that duty of care must have been violated by one of the parties. For example, a driver who ran a red light and crashed into another driver has violated their duty of care.

Third, there must be causation. For example, the driver's duty-of-care violation must have led directly to the accident that then led to the victim's injury. Finally, the victim must have quantifiable damages as a result of the accident.

How long do I have to file a claim?

In Connecticut, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim. This is also the statute of limitations in wrongful death claims, in which the survivors of a deceased victim take legal action against the party responsible for the death. However, it's best to file a claim as soon as possible, as information, records, and recollections will be more easily accessible.

How much is my claim worth?

This depends on a variety of factors. Your current medical bills, cost of future care, loss of wages and earning capacity, and your levels of pain and emotional distress are just a few factors that can dramatically impact a claim's value. Always consult an attorney to get a more realistic picture of how much you can seek in damages.

How long does it take to resolve a claim?

Typically, the more serious a person's injuries are, the longer a claim will take to resolve. Most claims are settled out of court through negotiations between each party's legal counsel. Ultimately, the timeline depends largely on how long it takes for the accident victim to be healthy enough to take part in negotiations and how much compensation they are willing to accept.

When you need legal representation in a personal injury matter, trust the law firm of Greene Law PC. Serving the Farmington, CT, area, they offer legal advice and guidance in several practice areas, including accidents and injuries, estate planning, and bankruptcies. Visit their website to browse their practice areas. Call (860) 676-1336 to schedule a consultation.