Personal injury law provides injured parties with a way to seek financial compensation when someone else causes them harm. This could be through an accident, product liability or any other incident where another party(ies) are at fault for the victim’s damages.
Personal injury claims are civil lawsuits in which the injured party asks the court for monetary compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage and more. They may request either a lump-sum amount or structured settlement.
What Are the Key Steps in a Personal Injury Case?
A typical personal injury lawsuit will start with filing a complaint by the injured party against the defendant. This document outlines all relevant facts and claims. Afterward, it moves on to trial where either a judge or jury will determine who is at fault and what compensation should be awarded.
The plaintiff must present evidence regarding the cause and manner of their injuries, along with why it was due to negligence on behalf of the defendant. Navigating this complex legal process in New York City requires the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer for best results.
What Are Special and General Damages?
Damages in torts are generally divided into two categories: special (quantifiable costs) like medical expenses and property damages, while general losses include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium as well as defamation effects. Special damages are easier to quantify but still include non-economic losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium and defamation costs.
What are the Statute of Limitations in Personal Injury Cases?
Time is of the essence in a personal injury lawsuit. Each state has its own statute of limitations, which is how long someone has after an injury to file a lawsuit. Some states have shorter time limits if the injury was caused by a minor.
What is the Difference Between Criminal and Civil Law?
In America, two primary legal systems exist: criminal law and civil law. Those found guilty of criminal offenses face severe punishments such as prison sentences. On the other hand, those found negligent or not responsible for their injuries in a personal injury lawsuit may receive financial compensation to cover damages sustained.
A successful personal injury lawsuit often relies on negligence, or the defendant’s failure to exercise reasonable care when engaging with another. There are various types of personal injury claims such as auto accidents, workplace incidents, medical malpractice, defective products and wrongful death.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to someone’s negligence, it is critical that you reach out for help from an experienced Syracuse personal injury attorney immediately after the crash. A knowledgeable attorney can ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your losses. Contact one of our qualified personal injury lawyers near you today to book a free consultation!