What happens after an accident victim in Inniswold decides to bring an injury lawsuit?
Inniswold, LA – Personal injury lawsuits are one of the most important options that accident victims have to try to receive compensation for their losses. Even if the injured person has an insurance policy, a lawsuit may be necessary if an insurance claim is insufficient to cover their costs or the company refuses to cover the specific type of incident. Lawsuits can ask for any amount of compensation that is necessary to cover losses tied to things like medical treatment, property repairs, lost income and wages, and the victim’s pain and suffering.
Retaining a lawyer
The victim should try to find a local attorney who has experience with injury lawsuits and some kind of record of winning trials or getting settlements for clients. Most law firms offer consultations where the attorney will answer questions, discuss what services they will provide, and give information that is specific to the victim’s situation. This is also a good time for new clients to try to get an estimate of the value of their accident case, timeline for completion, and other important pieces of information.
Providing evidence
The client should give copies of everything relevant to their case to their attorney. This includes pictures or videos, medical bills, accident reports, insurance information, contact info for witnesses, and their personal story regarding what happened. Much of this will be useful during the litigation and discovery phases of the case.
Filing the case in the local court
The plaintiff’s lawyer needs to draft a document that is usually called a complaint or a pleading, and have it filed in the local civil court system. A copy will be served to the defendant as well. This contains basic information about when and where the accident happened, who was involved, what kind of losses the plaintiff sustained, and legal argument about why the defendant was responsible.
Exchanging information
A crucial part of any lawsuit is the discovery process. This is when both the defense and plaintiff’s lawyers need to exchange all relevant information about the case to prepare for trial. There may be formal requests for more information as the case progresses.
A settlement agreement
Most cases will settle at some point after the parties have started to exchange information rather than go to trial. Settlement negotiations are meant for each side to try to bargain and get the best result for their client.
Assistance after an accident in Louisiana
Anyone who has been hurt in an accident in Inniswold or other cities in Louisiana can speak with a lawyer to learn about personal injury cases. Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf is an experienced firm that focuses on all kinds of injury lawsuits.
Firm contact info:
Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf
3960 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA 70806
225-343-2205
www.mlhlaw.com
