If you have been injured by the actions or negligence of another person and they did not respond appropriately, you may find yourself in the situation of having to sue them. While this is of course not the best case scenario, once you find yourself there, you will want to make sure you can achieve the best outcome possible. To help you achieve that, here are 5 tips to help you win your personal injury lawsuit.
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Know the Statute of Limitations
It is important to make sure that the incident that occurred is still within the statute of limitations in your state, or else the judge will throw the case out altogether. In most states, the limit is two years, but it can range anywhere from one to ten years. Check your state’s laws or speak with a lawyer to make sure your injury dispute is still valid.
Hire an Attorney
While it may be tempting to try to navigate the legal process of suing for your personal injury yourself, you will always have better luck when you’re working with an attorney. Lawyers have years of training and experience in dealing with all the legalities, paperwork, and negotiations that are an integral part of the lawsuit process. Having a lawyer on your side can make a huge difference in the settlement you end up getting.
Consider What Compensation You Qualify For
The primary costs associated with most personal injuries are related to medical expenses, but there are others to consider as well. Below are some of the types of compensation to keep in mind:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of income
- Property loss
- Emotional distress
- Medical bills
- Out of pocket expenses
Keep Your Medical Records
When you’re injured due to another’s negligence, it is important to see a doctor, and just as important to hold onto the medical records that come as a result of those visits. If possible, you may also want to try to get your hands on medical records from before the incident that can prove any injuries or conditions are not pre-existing.
Don’t be Afraid to Negotiate
Most personal injury lawsuits never go to court, and are instead settled before they ever get that far. However, even knowing that, it is important to not to accept the first offer that the other party puts on the table. Let your lawyer make counter offers as many times as they think is necessary, as this can increase your final payout from the lawsuit. If your lawyer advises you that going to court is your best bet for getting the payout you deserve, be willing to do that if you can.
If you’ve been hurt, you deserve recompense for your cost, pain, and emotional suffering. Whether your personal injury lawsuit is settled out of court or goes into the actual court of law, using these tips can help you win and get the best settlement possible.
