What to Expect at Each Stage of a Personal Injury Claim

If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, you may be overwhelmed by the thought of pursuing a personal injury claim. But the fact is that personal injury claims are fairly straightforward, especially when you’re working with a Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer. Knowing what to expect each step along the way may calm your nerves and help you feel confident about fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Looking for an attorney to handle your personal injury claim? Let’s talk. Call Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman at 412-253-2925 to schedule a consultation.

Consulting With an Attorney and Evaluating Your Case

The first step is meeting with a personal injury attorney for a consultation. If the first attorney isn’t a good fit, you may actually have consultations with multiple firms before you find one you trust. During your initial meeting, you’ll discuss your case with a lawyer and provide more information about your injuries and expenses. Plan on bringing all of the evidence you have to this meeting—the more information you can give them, the more accurate advice they can give you.

The attorney will take all of the documentation you bring and perform a thorough evaluation of your case. They’ll tell you if you have a valid claim if you’re likely to recover anything from the liable party, and if they’re able to take your case.

Investigating and Starting the Claim

Once you decide on a personal injury attorney and hire them, their real work starts. The good news is that you’re likely not out any money at this stage; most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, so their fee comes out of whatever you receive from the liable party. The attorney will investigate the accident and gather crucial evidence. As they learn more, they will start to build their case and develop their legal strategy.

Determining liability is a key step in this process. They must prove that the other party’s negligent actions led to your injuries and that your injuries have caused you measurable harm. Through their investigation, they will show how the other party’s actions caused you direct harm.

Negotiating a Settlement

After building your case and determining how much your case is worth, your attorney will move on to the next step. They will reach out to the other party’s insurance company with a demand letter. The demand letter outlines your case against their client, the evidence that supports your claims, and how much money you’re trying to recover. Note that the amount you request is not what you’ll end up receiving—your attorney may aim higher, knowing that the other side will negotiate and likely settle on a number in the middle.

Negotiations can go for multiple rounds, depending on how far away your initial numbers are and how flexible the insurance adjuster is. Some adjusters are willing to listen to evidence and make reasonable offers, while others will push their luck until a lawsuit is imminent. Your attorney will keep you informed throughout this process.

Once a settlement is negotiated, which does happen in the majority of personal injury claims, you will likely need to waive your right to sue and drop any lawsuit you have in progress against the liable party. The settlement is transferred, your attorney’s fees are removed, any money owed to the health insurance company is paid out, and you receive the remainder.

Trial and Litigation

Some Pittsburgh personal injury claims simply cannot be settled out of court. In that case, your attorney will file a lawsuit and prepare for court. This involves discovery, building a case, filing pretrial motions, consulting with expert witnesses, and exploring potential strategies. During the trial, both parties get to make their case and try to poke holes in points made by the other side. Finally, the judge or jury delivers a verdict and determines how much compensation (if any) is to be awarded.

Fight for the Compensation You Deserve with Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman

If you’re ready to start your personal injury claim in Pittsburgh, the team at Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman is ready to help you explore your options. Reach out online or call us at 412-253-2925 to set up a consultation.