When injured due to the negligence of another party, it can be overwhelming to deal with legal matters while still recovering physically and mentally. Now is the time to self-educate about the process that your case could take.
Knowing the steps that a personal injury case could potentially take can help give peace of mind by answering questions and quieting fears.
When you can’t settle through negotiations, here’s what to expect
Personal injury cases can take on many unique forms, but the basic phases are usually consistent. Here are some common steps in a personal injury case:
- Initiating the case: Filing a lawsuit begins the formal legal process. Cases may end in a myriad of ways, but this is how they all begin.
- Discovery: This fact-finding phase provides each side with the other’s information. Providing pertinent information about a case allows both sides to prepare their case.
- Motions: Motions can resolve a case before it goes to trial. Numerous motions could take place at this step including motions for summary judgment, motions to dismiss your claim and so on.
- Settlement: Many cases settle before going to trial. Negotiations may move to mediation to reach a settlement agreement as each side starts to see the benefits of a compromise.
- Trial: If a case makes it to this step, it will go through all the steps from jury selection to the judges’ verdict. A case that goes to trial can still end with a motion to dismiss and/or a settlement.
- Judgment: After winning a case, it is time to move on to the collecting of damages phase. This step has its unique challenges as well.
- Appeals: Sometimes after a judgment is made, one party decides to appeal either the verdict or the award amount.
Every case is unique and can have different outcomes, so your case may not follow these exact steps. When embarking on a personal injury case, being aware of the overall process can help when making informed decisions.
