A personal injury claim is filed against a person or company for causing a personal injury. The process starts with a demand letter, which is sent to the defendant to request payment. If a compromise cannot be reached, the plaintiff files a lawsuit. Before a lawsuit can be filed, the plaintiff must gather medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other relevant evidence.
Legal costs of filing a personal injury claim
Filing a personal injury claim is not cheap. It can take years to resolve, especially if the circumstances are complex. Typically, the case is settled out of court. However, there are instances where the case goes to trial. In such situations, the victim will likely have to spend a lot of money, including medical bills and incidental expenses. Moreover, he or she may need to take time off work. This is why most claimants will benefit from hiring an attorney.
Also read: What are the most common types of personal injury claims?
Although most personal injury cases are settled out of court, a lawsuit will likely be necessary in cases of disputed liability or a disagreement over the damages. As a result, this will result in higher legal costs than a pre-suit settlement. In addition to a court filing fee, there will likely be various motions that need to be filed during the litigation process. Each motion costs around $20.
Time limits for filing a personal injury claim
The time limits for filing a personal injury claim are important to understand. Generally, you will only have a certain number of years from the date of the accident or injury to file your lawsuit. However, there are some exceptions. For instance, if the accident was caused by a government agency, you may be able to file a lawsuit in the first year after the accident.
If the injured party is a minor or has a mental disability, there are special rules that apply to the lawsuit filing process. For example, in California, there are special time limits for filing a lawsuit in these cases.
Getting a lawyer for a personal injury claim
In California, you can get a lawyer to file a personal injury lawsuit. If an insurance company refuses to settle your claim or doesn’t pay nearly enough, you can file a complaint to ask for compensation. Once you file the complaint, the defendant has 30 days to respond to it. A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the complicated process of litigation. They will file pre-litigation motions and try to settle your case before it goes to trial.
Your lawyer will also be able to assess the value of your case and help you get the compensation you deserve. Many personal injury attorneys offer free consultations, which can help you get an idea of how much you should be getting and reacting to the terms of any settlement. This information can help you avoid missing out on compensation by making the wrong choice.