Personal injury law focuses on helping people who are hurt because someone else was negligent or caused intentional harm. If you’re injured because of another person’s actions or neglect, this area of law is designed to help you recover the money you need for medical bills, missed work, and the pain you’ve gone through.
Below are some of the most common questions people ask about personal injury cases in Washington, DC, which will help you know what to expect as you move forward with your case.
How Do I Know If I Have a Personal Injury Claim?
You may have a claim if you were hurt in an accident and someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing caused your injury. Some signs include getting hurt in a car crash, falling on unsafe property, or being injured by a product that didn’t work right. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer can help you find out if your situation qualifies as a case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in DC?
You usually have up to three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim in Washington, DC. If you wait past this time limit, you will likely lose your right to ask for money for your losses. There are exceptions that can extend or shorten this deadline, so it’s best to speak with a lawyer and start the process early to make sure you don’t miss any deadlines.
What Is the Process of a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
The process starts with getting medical care and speaking with a lawyer. Your attorney will gather evidence, contact the responsible party, and try to reach a fair settlement. If a settlement can’t be worked out, your lawyer will file a lawsuit. Both sides then share information (discovery), and if the case doesn’t settle, it goes to trial where a judge or jury decides the outcome.
How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
The value varies from case to case. It depends on how badly you were hurt, your medical costs, how much income you missed, and how your injury affects your daily life. No lawyer can promise a specific amount, but a good attorney will look at all the facts and give you an honest idea of what your claim might be worth.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover in a Personal Injury Case?
Damages you can claim include the cost of your medical treatment, paychecks missed while you were recovering, and pain or suffering from your injuries. In some cases, you can also get money for long-term impacts, such as loss of ability to work or future medical needs. Non-financial losses like emotional distress may be covered too.
Do I Have to Go to Trial for a Personal Injury Case?
Most personal injury claims settle before reaching trial. Your lawyer will try to negotiate a fair amount with the other side or their insurance company. If you cannot agree on a settlement, going to court may be necessary to resolve the dispute. Even then, many cases settle before the judge or jury makes a decision.
If you’ve suffered an injury and have questions about your rights, you don’t have to face it alone. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.