Personal injury claims are some of the most common types that law firms get on their desks each year. However, personal injury law is also one of the most complex branches of law you can get—and that’s why lawyers get to specialize in these types of cases.
If you’ve been involved in an accident, you might have a claim against someone who was legally responsible.
Some personal injury cases happen due to negligence, while they can also happen because of faulty equipment. There are many possible examples of valid personal injury cases, but just as many examples of invalid ones.
A Scottsdale personal injury lawyer can assess and represent your case.
Here’s what you should know about personal injury law, and why legal representation could be your first step to a successful claim.
What is Personal Injury?
“Personal injury” is a legal term, usually encompassing one party claiming damages or injury costs against another person responsible for an incident or accident.
Car accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, and medical accidents are all examples of personal injury cases.
If one person has been injured and another is directly or indirectly at fault, that’s a personal injury case. There are many examples, including injuries at work—or during pretty much any activity you could mention.
Anywhere someone has been injured at the fault of someone (or something) else, it’s a potential personal injury suit.
A claim can be against a specific person, or against a company.
However, personal injury cases require preparation, paperwork, and fair representation in court.
Would you know where to start?
Most people aren’t equipped to take on personal injury cases on their own. That’s why they hire professional personal injury attorneys.
If you suspect that you have a potential claim, step one is speaking to an attorney.
Are Personal Injury Laws Different for Each State?
Personal injury laws are different for every state, including Arizona.
A slip-and-fall case isn’t handled the same in New York, as it might be handled in an Arizona court. If you think that you might have a valid case, your best option is to consult with a lawyer.
Many local factors might influence how likely your case is to succeed. Where a case is lodged could affect how the case proceeds in court, and might even affect how much winning your case could be worth.
Most people don’t have the experience to prepare for their own claim. Before claiming for personal injury, make sure you’ve spoken to a local lawyer first.
When Can I File a Personal Injury Claim?
Personal injury claims should best be filed immediately after an incident has occurred. However, there is a grace period that allows for claims to be filed after the injury or harmful event.
This is different for every state, and there’s a limited amount of time for your case to be lodged in a court.
If you miss out on this important time-window, you might also lose the ability to lodge your case.
For Arizona, this statute lasts for two years after the incident has taken place. This means that you have to lodge your case within two years of the incident date.
Personal injury cases can become more complex when the elapsed time increases. Don’t wait for too long. Speak to an experience Arizona personal injury lawyer now!
Do I Have a Valid Personal Injury Case?
A lawyer’s consultation could be enough to establish whether you have a valid personal injury claim. First consultations with an attorney are usually free, and you’ll walk out knowing exactly what your case entails.
From there, your attorney could request more information, or recommend that the case proceeds to court.
A valid personal injury case could mean that you are awarded damages in court.
However, if you let the two-year time period encroach, you could be making your case tougher to represent.
More About Valid Personal Injury Claims
A valid personal injury claim can be against a single person or company.
This happens when that person or company is found to be at fault for someone ease’s emotional or physical injury.
For example, what happens if an amusement park ride breaks?
Valid personal injury cases means that someone is responsible. However, figuring out where responsibility lies is why cases require expert representation in court.
A personal injury case has to consider various factors. For example, an amusement park accident could be the manufacturer’s fault for providing faulty equipment—or the assistant’s fault for not checking the ride that day.
The only way to know is to look at the case from an expert’s point-of-view.
An experienced lawyer can represent your case, and guarantee a fair claim.
Can I Claim [Insert Amount] From Someone?
One of the most common questions related to personal injury cases are related to specific amounts. People usually want to know how much they are entitled to—and there isn’t a single answer for every case.
Yes, a consultation with a legal professional can also tell you exactly how much your case is worth.
A realistic amount is able to compensate for the accident, but also provides compensation for any costs related to the incident.
If you aren’t sure how much your case could be worth, an attorney can provide you with clear answers—and can likely get you one step closer to fair compensation.
Why guess when you can ask an experienced attorney?
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
Personal injury cases have to be lodged via your local court, though with specific paperwork and evidence to prepare for the case. This is much easier when your lawyer navigates the process on your behalf—and in most states, legal representation is a requirement for a personal injury claim.
A personal injury lawyer represents your case, but also helps you to prepare for court appearances.
Without a personal injury lawyer, it’s much harder to get your case heard—and you might not be able to claim without an attorney’s help.
An experienced personal injury lawyer ensures you’re fairly treated, and that all important points are considered.
