What is a personal injury case?

If you or a loved one was hurt in an accident that was due to another’s negligence or carelessness, the fact that this is a common event is probably not much of a consolation. In some instances, recovering one’s damages from the event will require the help of a personal injury lawyer. It’s unfortunate that not everyone who makes a mistake takes responsibility for it, even if someone else is hurt as a result. When a community member suffers a serious injury and the at-fault party refuses to pay full and fair compensation for the damages, a personal injury lawyer is aggressive in their pursuit of justice for our client. To talk to a personal injury lawyer about your circumstances, give a law firm a call and request a case review.

What should I understand about personal injury claims?

When someone is injured because of someone’s negligence, they have legal recourse in the form of a personal injury claim. This is a civil matter rather than a criminal matter and as such, the plaintiff or injury victim can seek compensation from the at-fault party or defendant in the form of an injury claim. The claim is a demand for compensation equal to the victim’s damages. If the at-fault party denies the claim, or their insurance company denies the claim, the victim has the option to elevate the claim to a civil lawsuit. Throughout the process, the victim who has hired a personal injury lawyer to represent them can rely on their experience and insight.

The accident victim has the right to seek compensation for the damages they suffered as a result of the at-fault party’s negligence. The damages may be relatively minor, or they may be varied and significant. Medical exams, diagnostic tests, treatment, and medications could be included in the personal injury claim. Lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress are additional damages that are also compensable if the victim has suffered from them.

How is a statute of limitations applicable to a personal injury claim?

There is a deadline by which a personal injury claim must be filed after the injury is sustained. In most cases, the deadline clock begins ticking from the day that the victim or plaintiff becomes aware of their injury. Most of the time, they are immediately aware of their injury but in cases that involve long term exposure to toxic or hazardous substances, the individual’s diagnosis may not happen until sometime after they first developed their condition.

A personal injury lawyer in Longwood, FL can review the circumstances of your case to establish when a court would consider the first day of the statute of limitations period and when it will expire. If a law firm agrees to take your case, they will ensure that the initial claim or court petition will be filed before the statute of limitations expires.

Thanks to David & Philpot, P.L. for their insight into personal injury claims and how filing a claim works.