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How to Handle Insurance Companies in Personal Injury Cases
How to Handle Insurance Companies in Personal Injury Cases Understanding the Insurance Company’s Role Insurance companies are businesses focused on minimizing payouts to maximize profits. In personal injury cases, their primary goal is to settle claims quickly and for the least amount possible. Adjusters are trained negotiators who may use tactics to undervalue or deny…
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The Impact of Comparative Fault on Your Injury Claim
The Impact of Comparative Fault on Your Injury Claim Understanding Comparative Fault Comparative fault is a legal principle used to determine liability in personal injury cases where multiple parties may share responsibility for an accident. Unlike contributory negligence—which bars recovery if the plaintiff is even slightly at fault—comparative fault allows injured parties to recover damages…
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Understanding Contingency Fees in Personal Injury Cases
Understanding Contingency Fees in Personal Injury Cases What Are Contingency Fees? A contingency fee is a payment arrangement where a personal injury lawyer only gets paid if they win the case or secure a settlement for the client. Instead of charging hourly rates or upfront retainers, the attorney’s fee is a predetermined percentage of the…
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How to Appeal a Personal Injury Case Verdict
How to Appeal a Personal Injury Case Verdict Understanding the Appeals Process An appeal is a legal request to a higher court to review and potentially overturn a trial court’s decision. Unlike a new trial, an appeal does not involve presenting new evidence or re-examining witness testimony. Instead, it focuses on identifying legal errors that…
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What Happens During a Personal Injury Trial
What Happens During a Personal Injury Trial 1. Filing the Lawsuit and Pre-Trial Procedures A personal injury trial begins when the plaintiff (the injured party) files a complaint in civil court against the defendant (the alleged at-fault party). The complaint outlines the legal basis for the claim, the injuries sustained, and the damages sought. Summons…
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Preparing for a Personal Injury Deposition
Preparing for a Personal Injury Deposition Understanding the Deposition Process A deposition is a formal question-and-answer session conducted under oath, where the opposing attorney gathers information about your personal injury case. It is a critical part of the discovery phase in litigation, allowing both sides to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the case. Depositions…
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The Process of Discovery in a Personal Injury Case
The Process of Discovery in a Personal Injury Case What Is Discovery in a Personal Injury Case? Discovery is a pre-trial phase in a personal injury lawsuit where both parties exchange relevant information about the case. This process ensures transparency, prevents surprises at trial, and helps both sides evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their…
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How to File a Personal Injury Claim in Court
How to File a Personal Injury Claim in Court Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention Your health is the top priority after an injury. Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical care immediately. Delaying treatment can worsen your condition and weaken your claim, as insurance companies may argue that your injuries weren’t serious. Document…
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Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Personal Injury Lawsuit 1. Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Attention One of the most critical mistakes in a personal injury case is delaying or avoiding medical treatment. Even if injuries seem minor, symptoms can worsen over time. Insurance companies and defense attorneys often argue that a delay in treatment…
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What to Expect During a Personal Injury Settlement Negotiation
What to Expect During a Personal Injury Settlement Negotiation Understanding the Personal Injury Settlement Process Personal injury settlement negotiations are a structured legal process where injured parties (plaintiffs) and at-fault parties (defendants or insurers) attempt to resolve a claim without going to trial. The goal is to reach a fair financial agreement compensating the injured…