What is Personal Injury Litigation Personal injury litigation can be an legal procedure in which an individual is injured because of the negligence of another party https//vimeocom/707259550 allows people to seek financial compensation for mental, physical, and reputational damages caused by other people's actions or inactions The amount of damages you can expect to receive is contingent upon the extent of your injuries There are two kinds of damages general and special Damages A lawsuit is filed to seek damages if someone is hurt or property is damaged This is a kind of tort law that the plaintiff seeks financial compensation for the harm they've suffered as a result of the negligent acts or negligence of another person There are a variety of damages that can be recouped in personal injury lawsuits, including compensatory and punitive damages Both kinds of damages award money in proportion to the degree of harm caused by the defendant's negligence or deliberate or intentional act Compensatory damages, or "economic damages," reimburse the plaintiff for the expenses and losses caused by the accident This kind of damages are typically awarded to victims of car accidents, trucking crashes, slip-and falls, and other incidents that result in physical injuries or financial losses These awards are designed to make the victim financially healthy after an incident They could include medical bills, lost wages as well as rehabilitation costs They can also be used to compensate for emotional pain, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment When there are serious injuries, such as brain trauma or broken limbs they are usually significantly higher than those for less serious injuries These kinds of injuries are typically more costly and require a longer recovery time The amount of the economic damage will depend on the severity of the injury It can be difficult to calculate It is important to keep accurate records of your losses and expenses This will allow your attorney to determine the worth of your claim A detailed history of your medical expenses as well as other losses can also increase your chances of receiving full reimbursement from your insurance company Non-economic damages, also referred to as "pain and suffering," are more difficult to quantify Since suffering and pain typically encompasses both physical as well as emotional pain, it can be more difficult to determine These damages can include depression, embarrassment, and PTSD Post-Traumatic Stress disorder A lawyer can help you determine the appropriate amount of noneconomic damages and present a strong case to get it They will examine the records of your doctor as well as interview witnesses to determine the severity of your suffering, pain, and loss They will then present this evidence to jurors during trial Statute of limitations Every state has laws that provide certain time frames for filing various types of claims Personal injury litigation generally allows for a two-year period to file an action against someone who has caused harm to your family or yourself The time limits are intended to prevent lawsuits dragging on for a long time, and to encourage potential claimants not to delay in the pursuit of their claims This is due to the fact that evidence can be lost or fade away as time passes and it becomes difficult to prove a claim in court While the statute of limitation isn't always easy to understand It is crucial to be aware that the clock begins ticking at the point you were injured or when your claim was first discovered This is known as the "discovery rule" As you can see, the time limit for filing a personal injury claim is different from state to state The exact time frame for your particular situation will depend on a variety of factors such as the kind of claim you're making and the place you live The normal time frame for personal injuries claims in Pennsylvania is two years This begins from the date of the injury However there are exceptions to this limit that can lengthen or shorten the deadline One of the most common exceptions is the discovery rule The rule of discovery states that you have to file a claim within certain period of time when you are competent to conclude that your injury is due to negligence by another person If you are unsure when the time limit starts running in your particular case it's important to speak with an knowledgeable lawyer who can inform you on your rights and assist you in getting the money you're due after being injured by another person's negligent or reckless actions Furthermore, the statute of limitations can be extended put on hold in a variety of situations This includes situations where the plaintiff is a minor and the defendant was not in the state at the time the accident occurred The suspension or tolling of the statute of limitations may assist in protecting your legal rights and ensure that you receive the justice you deserve when you are injured by someone else's negligence Preparation A successful personal injury case needs preparation You must be prepared to present a compelling case and have the right lawyer on your side A reputable personal injury lawyer will have a plan for presenting your case in court and determining whether the defendant is to blame They will also have a strategy to bargain with the defendant and make sure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries When it comes to a personal injury case the process of suing could seem daunting There are many factors to consider and a variety of tactics that defendants could use to delay or even derail your case The most important element of the preparation process is the time frame of your claim You must file your lawsuit within the legal time limit set by the statute of limitations or else you risk losing your claim Another important element of the process is crafting a convincing argument This could include proving that the defendant was negligent or that your injuries resulted from their actions This is an essential part of any successful claim It should be the primary goal of your attorney's pre trial meetings Other aspects of a successful lawsuit include an exhaustive list of damages as well as a detailed timeline of your injury's progression A successful claim will ensure that you receive the most compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and loss of income The best way to make sure you get the most from your claim is to talk with a seasoned personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident Trial The majority of personal injury cases settle themselves through settlements that are usually the result of negotiations between the parties However some cases end up in court which is a procedure which involves arguing the case before a judge or jury who decides if the defendant is accountable for the plaintiff's injuries, and the amount of compensation they are entitled to To start the trial process, we must file a complaint that describes what transpired and names the person you are seeking compensation from The document is given to the defendant, and they must then respond with an answer to your lawsuit Your attorney will then go through the discovery phase of your case This permits both sides to exchange evidence, including witness testimony documents, photographs, and video footage of the scene This includes depositions, interview, and physical examinations Once all of the preparation is completed after which it's time to prepare for the actual trial This is the time when the attorneys for both sides argue their case and present evidence before a judge or jury Each side will first be asked to make an opening statement in which they will state the facts of their case The duration can range from 30 or 45 minutes for each side, based on the size of the case as well as the number of witnesses The jury will then hear the closing statements of both sides They may last some minutes or more and they will also discuss their claims and damages The judge will then give instructions for the jury They will be given the legal guidelines they have to adhere to when making a decision The jury will then consider the evidence and make a decision on your case, which will be presented to the judge for his consideration If they decide favorable to you, they will give you an award If they decide in favor of the defendant the jury will not grant you a verdict, and your case will be dismissed