What Happens In The Average Personal Injury Case?

Personal injury law can be very complex, and involve a lot of different things. In Florida, there are many different potential outcomes and many different steps that an attorney might take in order to help get a client the compensation that they deserve. If you've been injured in any kind of accident, it's a good idea to get a clearer idea about what happens during the course of the average personal injury lawsuit.

Before you go over the following things, it's important to keep in mind that there are no guarantees when it comes to personal injury law. Every case is unique, and unique outcomes will be reached during each case. However, a few basic things will usually happen. Here's what you can expect.

• • First, you'll need to find a good attorney. After you've sought medical attention the next step will be tracking down a personal injury lawyer that you can trust. Be sure to go with one that has a solid history and plenty of experience – like our team.


• • Once you contact the personal injury attorney the next step will be an initial consultation. During this first meeting you'll explain your case to the attorney and talk to them about any evidence you might have in your favor. The attorney will review your information and try to determine whether or not you have a case.

• • After the consultation, the attorney will tell you about some of your potential options and – if they think they can help – offer to take on your case. If they feel that you don't have the legal grounds to pursue compensation they'll tell you that as well and explain why they feel that way. If they do take on your case you'll go right into the next phase of the process.


• • Once you have an attorney on your side your part will diminish to some degree. You'll still need to answer questions, provide them with various pieces of information, and be there when needed, but for the most part things will start to happened behind the scenes – most commonly in the form of plea arrangements.


• • If the opposing side offers a settlement amount, your attorney will discuss it with you and together you can determine whether or not you feel that it is a fair offer. If not, you can hold out and hope for a larger settlement or take the settlement and end the case. This is something that your attorney can help you greatly with, and they'll talk about the pros and cons of accepting a settlement.


• • If the case goes all the way to trial, things will progress much in the way you think – with each side presenting their arguments in the courts. It's very possible that you'll have to be there as a witness, and others may be called as well. It's important to understand that this is very rare. In most cases, the other side will prefer to settle out of court in order to avoid huge damages being awarded and to help avoid negative publicity. It does happen, however, and if it does you will want a good lawyer on your side to help represent your best interests.