The time just after you have been injured in a slip and fall or accident can often be a confusing and stressful. First an foremost, look after your health and get the medical attention you need. But when you're ready, you can begin thinking about pursuing a personal injury claim for your injuries. Here are some frequently asked questions about the first steps in a personal injury claim.
As mentioned in the introduction, the first thing that you should always do after being injured in an accident to look after your health. However, if you have already done this, then there are a number of steps that you can take that will help preserve your right to file a claim for your personal injuries. These steps are valid in most situations and there is no "right" order to take (note: if you need to file a claim against the government or a government agency, there are other specific steps that should be taken).
If you are planning on filing suit against an individual or some other entity that is not the government or a government agency, there is not set time limit in which you have to notify that person of your intention to file a lawsuit. However, this does not mean that you should take your time with the matter. By acting quickly and efficiently, you will probably increase your chances of resolving your claim faster than if you delay.
It is good to keep in mind that even though you notify people of your intent to file a lawsuit, this does not mean that you must file a lawsuit. By giving notice, you only preserve your rights and prevent the other parties from defending against a lawsuit by arguing that you waited too long to inform them of your injuries. By notifying the other parties, you simply ensure that you can proceed with negotiations regarding settlement and arbitration at your own speed, without feeling rushed.
Yes. Settling a personal injury claim can be time consuming, and if you fail to file your claim in a timely manner, you may be completely out of luck in collecting any sort of compensation. There are laws on the books called "statutes of limitation" that give the maximum time you have for starting a personal injury claim. If this time period passes you up, you may be barred from ever bringing suit to recover for your injuries. You should always check on your state's statute of limitations for your type of claim to ensure that the time period does not pass you by.
Unlike filing a claim against an individual or a company, if you need to file a claim against the government or a government agency or employee, you have a limited amount of time in which you must file a claim. Depending upon your type of case and the state you live in, this time period usually ranges between 30 days and one year. If you do not abide by these timelines, you may lose your right to recover any sort of compensation for your injuries or property damage.
Injuries cost money, including medical bills and time away from work, which is why you'd consider filing an injury claim if it was caused by someone else's negligence or intent. An attorney will help with discovery, arranging for witnesses, filing the necessary paperwork, and advocating on your behalf. Find a local injury attorney today.
