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If you were hurt due to someone else’s negligence, you might be eligible to receive compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, lost income, and additional expenses caused by the accident. Some people might be hard-pressed to take legal action due to common misconceptions about personal injury cases. To curb your unease about filing a lawsuit, below are several myths and the truth behind each. 

Common Myths Surrounding Personal Injury Cases 

1. Expect a Long Legal Battle

Although there are steps to filing a personal injury claim, including gathering medical records and contacting witnesses, the matter can often be resolved within a few weeks or months. That’s because a personal injury attorney will try to reach a settlement with the defendant to avoid a court trial and additional legal costs.

It’s only when the grievance can’t be settled out of court that the case will go to trial. The judge and jury will decide the outcome based on the evidence presented. 

2. You Can’t Sue for Minor Injuries

personal-injuryMany people think they can only pursue personal injury claims when they’ve suffered debilitating injuries. You should file a lawsuit for sprains, burns, head trauma where you don’t lose consciousness, and other minor injuries.

Although you still have medical bills for these types of accidents, insurers might consider the injuries minor enough that they won’t pay a lot to cover the costs. Filing a personal injury claim often means you’ll be awarded a larger settlement amount to pay for these expenses. 

3. There’s No Time Limit on Filing a Claim

Even if you are nervous about filing a claim for fear of the possible outcome, don’t wait to take legal action. Depending on where you live, procrastinating might mean you pass the state’s statute of limitations. From the date of the accident, you could have one to six years to file a claim.

 

For legal representation in your personal injury case, contact Stephen B. Kaufman, P.C. This Bronx, NY-based lawyer has over 40 years of experience helping New Yorkers receive damages for car, subway, construction, and slip-and-fall accidents. Get insight into the counselor’s experience and commitment to his community online, and call (718) 822-0500 for a consultation.  

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