Do I Have a Personal Injury Case?

Accidents are a common occurrence and can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. They can happen on the road, at work, in someone’s home, or even while running your errands. Some are minor, while others have serious and life-altering consequences resulting in serious injuries.

In cases where you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful act, you may have a personal injury case.

How do you know if you have a personal injury case?

Type of Injury

Not all injuries and accidents warrant a personal injury case.

For instance, if you stub your toe while walking on the sidewalk, it’s highly unlikely you have a case. However, if you sustain an injury that requires medical attention, such as a broken bone, severe bruises, or head trauma because you tripped over a crack in a sidewalk in disrepair, then you may be entitled to compensation.

Keep in mind that whether your injury is minor or serious, it is essential to seek medical attention and document all of your medical expenses.

Cause of the Injury

When determining if you have a personal injury case, the cause of the injury is a crucial factor. If you can prove that your injury resulted from someone else’s actions or negligence, then you may have a case.

For instance, if you were in a car accident and the other driver was texting while driving or driving under the influence of alcohol, they were responsible for the crash. There’s a good chance they’re liable for your injuries.

Proving Liability

To receive compensation in a personal injury case, you must prove that the other party’s actions or negligence caused your injuries. Therefore, it’s important to gather as much evidence as possible, such as witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, police reports, and medical records. This evidence will help bolster your case and prove that the other party was liable for your injuries.

An attorney can help you gather evidence and build your strongest case.

Extent of Your Damages

In a personal injury case, the amount of compensation you receive is contingent upon the extent of your damages. Damages include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Other expenses incurred due to your injury

It’s important to keep track of all the costs associated with your injury, including future medical treatment, to ensure that you receive fair compensation.

Statute of Limitations

It’s essential to keep in mind that there is a time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit.

In most cases, you have two to three years from the date of the accident to file your claim. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to compensation. Therefore, it’s critical to consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to determine if you have a case and file your claim on time.

If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful acts, you may have a personal injury case. It’s best to contact a personal injury attorney who can help you determine the merit of your case. The process can be complex, so it’s wise to have a lawyer with experience and knowledge of personal injury law on your side.

For more information or to schedule a consultation to discuss your options if you’ve been injured, contact Shugarman & Mehring at 410.783.4200 or toll-free at 888.342.7200.