At the same time, you will confront serious and complex medical, legal, job, money, and family issues, often for the first time in your life.
This article is designed to help answer this question "how will my case proceed?".
The facts surrounding each legal claim are unique.
As each case is different, it is impossible to know the length of time necessary to see a case to resolution or the nature of the resolution.
There are certain things, however, that you can generally expect to occur when pursuing an injury claim.
Since every case is different your first legal consultation should be free.
Your attorney will examine the unique facts regarding your case and look at it from every angle.
The information that you provide will include:
- When, where, and how did the accident happen?
- What injuries did you or your loved one suffer?
- All the other facts that might impact the viability of the case.
- Any other information that you think is important.
If you or a loved one needs legal help, talk with a dedicated Ohio personal injury lawyer.
Investigation A careful investigation of personal injury cases is absolutely critical, and must be done thoroughly and carefully for each case.
The investigation process usually involves several important steps beginning with obtaining police reports, accident reports, witness statements, and photographs.
The investigation process continues as the case proceeds.
Your attorney may retain experts to help present your case effectively.
These experts may be necessary to reconstruct an auto accident, identify building code violations, or determine if a product was defective.
The most important factor in the investigation phase is, of course, hard work and tenacity.
Pre-Suit During the pre-suit process, materials related to your case are assembled including medical records and other information about your injury.
During this phase of the case the focus shifts from assessing the viability of the case to managing the case in order to maximize value.
Most clients quite reasonably want to know how much money they will be receiving at the end of a successful personal injury claim.
The truth is, the value of your case depends upon the outcome of your medical treatment and extent of your recovery, as well as the circumstances of the accident.
Litigation Many cases never reach the litigation stage because they are settled during the pre-suit process.
Sometimes it is necessary to litigate a case when the insurance company is unwilling to settle for an appropriate value.
The litigation process usually involves a process called discovery.
During the discovery process you may be called upon to answer written questions called interrogatories or give testimony known as a deposition.
It may be necessary to present your claim in court in front of a judge or jury.
Conclusion After a settlement or verdict, the disbursement process concludes your case.
This typically involves your attorney receiving a check from the insurance company, reviewing and approving the release if necessary, sorting out any lien issues, and then delivering a check to you as quickly as possible.
If you or a loved one needs legal help, talk with a dedicated Ohio personal injury lawyer.