If you’ve recently been injured due to an accident or incident, you don’t want to move forward with your personal injury case without the help of a Columbus personal injury lawyer.
Here are the key tasks and responsibilities of a lawyer in a personal injury case:
Initial Consultation: The lawyer begins by meeting with the client for an initial consultation. During this meeting, the lawyer evaluates the facts and circumstances of the case to determine if there is a viable claim. They will discuss the client’s injuries, the accident or incident that caused them, and potential liability on the part of the responsible party.
Investigation: Your Columbus personal injury lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the case. This may involve gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, reviewing medical records, obtaining accident reports, and examining any available surveillance footage or expert opinions.
Legal Research: The lawyer conducts legal research to understand the applicable laws, regulations, and legal precedents that pertain to the case. This research helps the lawyer build a strong legal argument.
Determining Liability: One of the primary responsibilities of the lawyer is to establish liability on the part of the at-fault party (defendant). This involves demonstrating that the defendant’s negligent or wrongful actions were the direct cause of the plaintiff’s injuries.
Assessing Damages: The lawyer works to assess the full extent of the plaintiff’s damages, both economic and non-economic. This may include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses. Calculating damages accurately is critical for seeking fair compensation.
Negotiation: In many personal injury cases, the lawyer engages in negotiations with the defendant’s insurance company or legal representatives to reach a settlement. The lawyer’s goal is to secure a fair and equitable settlement that compensates the plaintiff for their injuries and losses without the need for a trial.
Filing a Lawsuit: If negotiations fail to produce a satisfactory settlement, the lawyer prepares and files a lawsuit on behalf of the plaintiff. This initiates the formal legal process, and the case moves to the litigation phase.
Discovery: During the discovery phase of litigation, both parties exchange information and evidence relevant to the case. This may involve written interrogatories, depositions, document requests, and expert witness testimony.
Trial: If the case proceeds to trial, the lawyer presents your case in court. The lawyer prepares for trial by developing a trial strategy, identifying key witnesses, and constructing compelling arguments. In court, he or she will examine witnesses, present evidence, make legal arguments, and cross-examine the defendant’s witnesses.
Collection of Compensation: If you win the case, your Columbus personal injury lawyer helps ensure that the awarded compensation is collected and distributed appropriately.
Throughout the process, a personal injury lawyer serves as an advocate for you, protecting your legal rights and pursuing the best possible outcome, whether through a settlement or trial. Contact 1-8000-Injured, a medical and legal referral network, to connect with a Columbus personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney in our vast network will be able to help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and maximize your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries.