Suppose you or somebody you care about has been injured due to another person’s careless or negligent actions. In that case, it may be necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit in order to secure the compensation you are entitled to, and choosing an experienced attorney can be vital.
At Townsend Law, LLC, we thoroughly understand settlement negotiations, insurance coverage, working with expert witnesses, and doing what it takes to successfully win these lawsuits. From car accidents, motorcycle, truck, and other auto accidents, to wrongful death, we have experienced attorneys in nearly any type of case that revolves around a personal injury claim and personal injury cases.
A personal injury attorney from the Townsend Law, LLC law firm, Mike Townsend, has a deep knowledge of insurance companies, how claims adjusters operate, and the process insurance claims go through – and can use that knowledge in your personal injury claim to help secure fair compensation and the largest amount of money possible.
Here, our personal injury lawyers in Kansas City want to give a quick overview of the process of filing a personal injury lawsuit in Missouri and what to consider after you have sought out medical attention for your injuries.
1. Secure an attorney
You’ll want to reduce the amount of time you’re without counsel, so you’ll want to secure an attorney as soon as possible so they can be involved from the very beginning of your case. This will ensure that no mistakes are made and that you secure maximum compensation in your personal injury claim. The personal injury attorneys at Townsend Law, LLC work off a contingency fee, so your success is our success, which is part of how we build strong attorney-client relationships.
There can be time limits, or statute of limitations, on tort (personal injury) claims. That amount of time is generally either two years or, in some states, as much as five years. Other factors can play into when the clock starts on the time limit, but generally, you’ll want to make your personal injury case as soon as possible.
2. Make an insurance claim
The first step is to make an insurance claim against the at-fault party’s insurance carrier. This will allow your attorney to communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf to ensure that you are being treated fairly. Your attorney can also gather medical records, police reports, statements of medical expenses, and medical treatments and can use these to build a strong personal injury case. Read this article if you had your A&D insurance claim denied.
3. Review settlement offers
Your attorney will review any settlement offers made by the insurance carriers to determine whether they are sufficient for your injury-related expenses.
4. File a personal injury lawsuit
If the insurance carrier does not make a fair settlement offer, it will be necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party and their insurance carrier.
5. Continue negotiations
After a lawsuit is filed, your attorney will continue negotiations with all parties involved, including the insurance carrier and any legal teams. Generally, most cases are settled before they go to trial.
6. Go to trial
Your attorney will prepare your case for trial if a fair settlement offer is still not made. If a case goes to trial, attorneys for both sides will present their evidence and witnesses to a jury.
7. Settlement
A jury will decide whether or not you should be compensated for what happened based on the evidence presented. They will decide how much compensation you will be awarded.
How Long Do These Cases Take?
There are no specific timeframes in place for a personal injury case. Claims settled out of court and through insurance carriers will generally happen faster, possibly within a few months after an initial claim. However, if a personal injury lawsuit is filed and the case goes all the way to trial, it could take a year or more to conclude.
There are time limits, however, on being able to file, which are called a statute of limitations. This limits the amount of time your personal injury attorney has to file your claim.
We Will Work To Secure The Compensation You Need
If you or somebody you love has been injured due to the negligent actions of another person, it may be necessary to seek legal advice and file a personal injury lawsuit to secure compensation for your case. The experienced attorneys at Townsend Law, LLC law firm will thoroughly investigate your case to secure the amount of money and fair compensation you need. This could include:
- Coverage of medical expenses from the medical treatment you received
- Coverage of physical therapy
- Recovery of lost wages if you are unable to work
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Pain and suffering damages
- Possible punitive damages against the negligent party
We strive to build strong attorney-client relationships and will fight for you and your loved ones. Call today for a free case evaluation, to schedule your free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 816-408-6476.