What Legal Steps Should Be Taken Immediately Following A Catastrophic Injury In A Personal Injury Case?

After suffering a catastrophic injury, there are specific legal steps you will need to take immediately to make sure you protect your legal rights and determine your options for monetary compensation. Ideally, discussing your case with a Charleston, South Carolina, catastrophic injury attorney should be your first step.

When you talk to your attorney, they will listen to the circumstances of your situation and determine the best way to go about recovering the compensation you deserve. If you have yet to talk to an attorney, here are the legal steps you can expect to go through in a personal injury case.

File Your Personal Injury Claim

Once your Charleston, South Carolina, catastrophic injury attorney determines you have a solid claim, they will start investigating your case, gathering evidence to corroborate your claim, do all the necessary paperwork (complaints, answers, and motions, among others), and file them before the deadline.

Go Through The Intensive Discovery Process

Both sides, your side (plaintiff) and the defendant (the party liable for your injuries), will share witness details and evidence with each other. All parties must make several court appearances during this time and conduct depositions. Depending on the circumstances of the case, this step could take months to a year to conclude.

File The Pre-Trial Motions

Before the scheduled trial date, both parties usually file pre-trial motions. These motions can sometimes make or break a case and end in your case getting dismissed before negotiations can be done or it heads to trial. Both parties must follow certain rules during this step based on the results of the pre-trial motions.

To save time and money, both parties usually try to negotiate a settlement before the case reaches the trial stage. In most situations, a fair settlement will be reached, and the case will be closed. The case can be settled at any stage of the personal injury claims process. If negotiations fail, however, the case will go to trial.

Go Through The Trial

At trial, all involved parties must present their case to weaken the other party’s case and solidify their own case. The judge will hear the evidence and arguments of both parties. Once the jury has finished deliberations, the judge will order a final judgment to let you know whether or not you won or lost the case. If any party disagrees with the final decision or finds a legal mishap in the results of the case, they may file an appeal.

Consult With Our Experienced Charleston, South Carolina, Catastrophic Injury Attorney Today

Cases involving catastrophic injuries are among the most complex personal injury claims to navigate. With legal guidance and representation from our Charleston, South Carolina, catastrophic injury attorney, however, you can rest easy knowing that all paperwork, deadlines, negotiations, and other legal aspects of your claim will be properly handled.

Arrange your free case review by calling our office at 843-577-5100 or contacting us online to learn more about how our Charleston, South Carolina, catastrophic injury attorney will handle your case.