When accidents and injuries take place, victims and family members can be left picking up the pieces associated with physical, financial and emotional harm. It is important for them to be aware of the resources available to them and know where they can turn when they have been negligently harmed. Many individuals may have heard of personal injury lawsuits but wonder what specifically the term refers to.
A personal injury claim for damages can arise when the careless actions of a negligent party cause injury or harm to victims. The negligent party responsible for causing the accident or injuries may be legally responsible to compensate the victim for damages. A personal injury lawsuit can be filed by the injured party to determine liability for the harm they have suffered and damages. Many personal injury claims for damages are settled before a case ever reaches the courtroom.
Victims who have been negligently harmed may be able to recover damages including medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering damages. Damages depend on the actual harm suffered by the injured party and, in some cases, the injured party’s family, and victims should be thoroughly familiar with what they can expect from the process. Damages are intended to make them as whole as possible and provide financial protection for those injured by the carelessness of others.
It is important to be familiar with the personal injury legal process, and, especially, to remember that important deadlines and requirements are associated with the process. Personal injury claims are an important protection for victims of accidents and victims of the negligence of others and are a resource and remedy victims should keep in mind following an accident.
Source: Injury.findlaw.com, “Personal Injury Law: The Basics,” accessed March 2, 2017.
