Understanding the Timeline of a Personal Injury Case

A personal injury claim can be a long and complex legal process. It’s essential to know what to expect if you’re thinking about filing a claim.

Although every personal injury case is unique, you should know the timeline of how these cases generally proceed.

Seeking Medical Attention

Most personal injury claims will start with an initial medical examination. If you become injured by another party, you must seek medical attention as soon as possible so that a medical professional can evaluate your injuries.

Whether you were hurt in a traffic accident or slipped and fell at work, all your injuries should receive a comprehensive evaluation. Medical records will serve as critical evidence down the road and help prove the damages you suffered.

Negotiation

Your attorney will likely engage in negotiations as the first step in recovering the losses you suffered. Generally, this will involve working alongside the at-fault party’s insurance company to try to reach a settlement.

Often, your attorney can fight for a just amount of compensation, and the claim won’t need to proceed to court.

Discovery Review

When you still cannot settle, your attorney will file an official lawsuit and start building a solid case in your favor.

This process involves a thorough investigation that will compile evidence such as witness testimonies, medical records, police reports, and other essential information.

Mediation

Many Tampa Bay personal injury claims will go through court-ordered mediation before trial. This step involves working with a neutral third party as a final attempt to settle the case.

Going to Trial

Your attorney will proceed to trial if all attempts at resolving the case are exhausted. During the trial, they’ll present all relevant evidence to a jury and litigate in your favor.

Tampa Personal Injury Attorneys

At Shrader, Mendez & O’Connell, we fight for victims of personal injuries in Tampa Bay. Call us at (813) 360-1529 for a free case review.