In a personal injury case, the timeline can vary depending on the circumstances of your case. If you’ve suffered an accident or been injured in some other way, it’s important to know that your claim may take some time. This is because there are many things that need to be done before a personal injury attorney in Menifee will file a lawsuit on your behalf.
Medical Treatment
Once you have been treated for your injuries, it is important to get medical treatment from a doctor who is experienced in treating personal injury cases. If possible, go see one of the doctors who has previously treated you or one of their colleagues at the same practice.
Reviewing Medical Records and Investigating Your Claim
Once your lawyer receives the medical records, they will conduct an investigation to determine whether you were injured as a result of a defendant’s negligence. They may also want to look into other evidence that might support your claim, such as:
● Police reports indicating how the accident occurred or who was involved in it;
● Any eyewitnesses who saw what happened; and/or
● Photos or video footage showing the scene where you were injured.
Demand and Negotiation
• A lawyer will consider making a demand and negotiating with the other side.
• The lawyer will review the medical records, and determine whether they are strong enough to file a lawsuit.
• The lawyer will also consider whether there is evidence that can be used in court.
• The personal injury lawsuit is filed
• The lawsuit is filed with the court.
• The defendant is served with the complaint and summons.
What is the Discovery Phase in a Personal Injury Case?
The discovery phase of a personal injury case is the process in which each party to the lawsuit is required to provide certain information to the other side. Discovery includes depositions, interrogatories, requests for production of documents and requests for admissions. Discovery can be both voluntary and compulsory depending on what type of claim you have filed (e.g., intentional tort or negligence).
Why is Mediation Important?
Mediation and negotiation are the two most common ways that a personal injury case goes to trial. The mediator is a neutral third party who helps both sides reach a settlement.
Trial
The trial is the final stage of your case and it’s when you can expect to find out whether or not you will be awarded compensation. The amount of time between the date of injury and the date of trial varies depending on where you live. In most cases, however, it should take around six months for a full trial to occur – although this can vary depending on how busy an attorney’s schedule is at any given moment.
A personal injury case typically follows this progression:
An individual files a complaint with the court. The complaint becomes part of an official court record that shows when each stage in your case occurred (such as when you first spoke with someone about it). If there’s time before trial begins, this information may be included in any settlement offer submitted by both parties during negotiations.
A judge decides whether to hear more evidence from witnesses who have testified at previous hearings or hearings related to issues raised by new evidence presented during those proceedings; if so, then additional testimony is taken until all parties agree on some formality called “summary judgment” — meaning they’ve reached an agreement between themselves as far as what facts are important enough within those issues’ context (and therefore should not be discussed further).
A personal injury case is a complicated process. You need to be prepared for the long road ahead, and it’s good to have an attorney who can help you navigate these legal waters. A lawyer is able to handle all aspects of your case and ensure that he or she has all information needed for a successful outcome.