A View on Personal Injury Litigation
Ivonne Jade Agustin
People who get into accidents may not always be aware of Stages of Personal Injury Litigation that they have to undergo in order to claim compensatory damages from the negligent party.
Because of this, the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer who will assess their case and file necessary paperwork in order to pursue claims is needed.
Receiving Claims
After an act of negligence has been committed, it is reasonable for the victim to seek compensation for the damages on his end. Below is a run-down of what happens in personal injury litigation:
• The plaintiff “informally” demands compensation from the defendant.
• Making a “formal demand” by sending a lawyer’s letter.
• Before the litigation ensues, both parties will try to negotiate.
• Plaintiff will file a lawsuit against the other party or arbitration will be sought.
• The defendant will file a formal response to the lawsuit.
• One or both parties will search for evidence to strengthen their claims.
• Both parties will be allowed to file motions to object until all facts are agreed upon by both parties.
• The judge assigned to the case will try to narrow the issue or arbitrate the settlement of the parties involved.
• Presenting of evidence in a trial wherein a judge or jury will decide.
• Relaying the decision of the court.
Litigation is a complicated process which involves legal technicalities so it should be handled by experts so as not to waste their time in appeals. If the plaintiff would choose to agree to a settlement, then, lawyers are still needed to make sure that the defendant will not take advantage of the plaintiff’s ignorance of his rights.
Accidents under Personal Injury
Negligence is one of the elements in determining the liability of a party. In most instances, a party who is expected to provide reasonable care to a person causes more harm than good to them.
Here are some of personal injury cases:
• Vehicular accidents – On the road, we are all responsible for our actions. Any damage or injury that a motorist inflicts to another may be counted as his liability depending on circumstances surrounding the case.
• Medical malpractice – Medical experts have a professional duty to provide adequate care to his patients. It is their job to make sure that these people will be provided with the best care possible.
• Product liability – Defective products and other malfunctions will be the liability of their manufacturers who are responsible in controlling the quality of products while serving the purpose they promised buyers.
• Premise liability – As in product liability, owners of properties are responsible in keeping the premise of their establishment free from any danger that may harm other people.
If proven guilty of negligence, the defendant is likely to pay up compensatory damages to the plaintiff. In big cases of product liability, the manufacturer or the distributor of the defective product may pay large sums of punitive damages which will greatly affect the company’s finances.
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About The Author
Our personal injury lawyers are experienced in handling cases involving vehicle accidents and product liability. For consultation, visit our website at http://www.personalinjurydefenders.com/ and avail of our free case analysis.
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