What to Expect During a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Philadelphia

If you suffered injuries because you fell on someone’s property, if you were hurt in a car crash, or if a doctor was negligent with your care and caused you harm, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to obtain financial compensation for your losses. Personal injury lawsuits are civil legal actions. This means that they do not come with criminal implications like jail time. They do act as a means to provide victims with financial compensation for their damages.

If your injuries were the result of negligence by another party, then it is important to connect with an experienced attorney for more information and legal counsel on your options. You may have a strong case to make for financial compensation. Due to the complexity that can come with civil suits, an attorney can help you manage your case, improving your chances of recovery. The Philadelphia personal injury attorneys at  Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP, can meet with you to discuss your situation and if it makes sense to move forward, assist you with a personal injury lawsuit.

What Happens After a Personal Injury Lawsuit is Filed?

After an injury accident happens and a victim takes their case to an attorney, an investigation will be conducted. The investigation is a critical step in the personal injury claims process. It provides a means to identify and gather pertinent evidence and information about an accident. It will also assess the full extent of damages a victim suffered. As a result, everything collected will be used in the initial stages of the claims process when sending a demand letter to the insurance company the claim is filed against to indicate how much financial compensation a victim wants for their damages.

Usually, most claims will be settled without having to go to court. But, if a settlement cannot be agreed to, then a lawsuit can be filed. Here, a complaint against a defendant will be filed in court. The complaint will include how much the plaintiff is requesting for their damages.

After a complaint is filed with the courts, the defendant in the case will get a summons. This will inform the defendant of the lawsuit and give them a date that they must respond. If the defendant fails to reply by the deadline, then the court will likely judge in favor of the plaintiff.

If the defendant does respond, then discovery can ensue. This is where each side can request information from the other side. Each side can depose the other and relevant witnesses.

What is learned in discovery is important. If it shows that a suit has no basis or is not sound, then the case may be thrown out by the judge. If this does not happen, then each side will make motions to see what they can include as evidence in a trial and what will not be allowed. Also, jury selection is another action that could take place. 

During this entire time before trial, a case can still be negotiated and a settlement reached. A settlement would end a case. When a settlement is not reached, then the suit will go to trial. The outcome will be decided by a judge or a judge and jury. A disagreement with the outcome of a trial can result in an appeal.

Speak to an Attorney at Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP Today

Every personal injury lawsuit is different, and the process can be complex. An attorney at Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP, can help. Call (215) 731-9900 to schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable attorney.