The concept of Tort law was introduced to protect those who get injured or their property damaged because of someone else’s negligence. Maybe a drunk driver hit you, or a negligent healthcare provider misdiagnosed you, worsening your condition. Because these accidents lead to significant damage, victims are allowed to seek compensation. As you plan to do that, it’s also good to understand how personal injury law works. This article answers some of the most common questions about such cases.
How Long Do I Have To File a Personal Injury Claim?
Attorneys always recommend filing a personal injury claim as soon as possible. In Wisconsin, the statute of limitation is three years. That means you need to have filed a personal injury claim within this period. For property damage, you get six years. It’s in your best interest to file the case as soon as possible to preserve the evidence that will be used in the case. You can find out more from these Milwaukee personal injury lawyers about the best time frame for filing your claim.
Do I Have a Case?
After an incident, you may wonder whether you have a personal injury case. If someone else’s negligence caused you harm, you have the right to file a claim and recover compensation. It’s not always easy proving fault, so you should get professional legal advice.
Do I Need To Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
You do need to hire an attorney. Even if it’s not compulsory, it’s in your best interest to do so. Plaintiffs who work with personal injury attorneys are likely to be more satisfied with the outcome. They also settle cases faster and receive higher payouts. Personal injury attorneys gather evidence and negotiate on your behalf. Their experience has equipped them with the tactics they need to deal with insurance companies and secure fair compensation.
How Much Is My Case Worth?
The simple answer is that it depends on various factors. Your attorney must evaluate your case first to determine the incurred damages. These can be medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of income, and future treatment. Be wary of attorneys who give you a specific settlement amount without evaluating your case first, as you may end up being disappointed.
How Long Will the Case Take?
Again, this also depends on the particulars of the case. For instance, if you were severely injured, your recovery process may take a long time which means the case takes longer to resolve. It helps to wait until you have recovered so your attorney can fully understand the final value of your medical expenses. In addition, claims involving a lot of cash also take a longer time. Don’t be in a rush to settle the case, as negotiations can be lengthy.
Will My Case Go to Trial?
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court. Your attorney will first negotiate with the liable party’s insurance company to try and come to an agreement. If the insurance is refusing to give you reasonable compensation, then your attorney can suggest taking the case to trial. In court, the attorney will represent you as well.
How Long Before I Can Receive My Check?
Once you reach a settlement agreement, it doesn’t take long before you receive the check. This can be a couple of weeks or sooner. Because your personal injury was working on a contingency fee basis, you have to give them a certain percentage of the settlement. The amount will depend on how much you agreed upon.
These are just some of the questions people have about personal injury cases. Understand that each personal injury case is different, and you can only get personalized answers by talking to an attorney.
