Your Florida personal injury case is unique and the best advice comes from a trusted Palm Beach personal injury attorney. When consulting with your attorney, they should explain these basic stages of your case, from the initial consultation you are experiencing with them all the way through settlement.
Establishing Your Case
Following your accident, you will need to file a Florida personal injury claim. Doing so usually involves a Palm Beach personal injury attorney who will review the details of your case to determine your legal options. Some cases can be settled without court involvement, either with the insurance companies or by the use of an arbitrator. However, severe injury or wrongful death cases normally end up going to trial as their damages are much higher.
Your Palm Beach personal injury attorney will help you file the complaint or petition which establishes your case with the Florida court. The complaint outlines the basis of the case, identifies the parties involved, and sets forth the request for damages. The summons is the next document to go out, which notify the defendant that they have been sued.
Preparing for Trial
Fact-finding and discovery is the next stage in your Florida personal injury case. This stage is where the evidence proving your case is collected, reviewed and developed. Depositions may go out to summon witnesses for testimony and you may be asked to give a deposition related to your injury claim.
Your Florida personal injury case may settle before the case has a chance to get to trial. This can occur if you, your attorney and the plaintiff can reach an agreeable settlement amount or if the court ends the case through a motion or summary judgment.
If the initial complaint if legally deficient in some way, a motion to dismiss can be filed before discovery even takes place. In some cases a summary judgment occurs when the facts of the case are not in dispute, thus ending the case before trial.
Trial and Settlement
If your Florida personal injury case makes it to the trial stage, you will be represented by your Palm Beach personal injury attorney in court. The trial consists of opening statements, witness testimony, closing arguments, jury deliberation and the verdict.
Once a verdict is passed, if it is in your favor you will be awarded damages in the case settlement. The jury generally determines the settlement amount based on the suggestions you submit with your Palm Beach personal injury attorney. The settlement phase can also occur prior to trial if the defendant decides to settle out of court.
Hiring a Palm Beach Personal Injury Attorney
For the least hassle and best outcome for your Florida personal injury claim, a Palm Beach personal injury attorney from 24/7 Injury Law can offer guidance and legal representation. For a free consultation, contact us today – 888-984-4878