If you suffer a personal injury due to someone else’s negligent actions, you may have the right to pursue compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The injured person takes the role as the plaintiff, and the person who may be responsible for the injury takes the role as the defendant. Allow us to explain the two routes your personal injury lawyer can take to pursue compensation for your injuries:

File a Formal Lawsuit

If your injury is directly linked to someone else’s careless actions, you can file a formal lawsuit against that person, business, or corporation. There are four things that your personal injury attorney must prove in your lawsuit:

The defendant is legally bound to the property.
The defendant acted with negligence.
The plaintiff was injured.
The defendant’s negligent actions caused the injury.

During your lawsuit, your personal injury attorney will gather evidence to prove these four aspects of your personal injury claim and present the findings in court. Both parties will have an opportunity to plead their case, and the judge will make the final verdict.

Accept an Informal Settlement

Depending on the situation, a company or property owner may not want the lawsuit to drag on over months, depleting them of their finances and mental space. Especially if your personal injury lawyers show proof and a strong case that you have every right to sue, the defendant might be quick to agree to an informal settlement. This would bypass the need to file a formal lawsuit, stand before a judge, plead your case, and wait for the verdict.

During an informal settlement, both parties’ attorneys will negotiate, write a legal agreement that bars either party from pursuing a lawsuit, and settle on an amount that the defendant will pay the plaintiff.

Clark, Smith & Sizemore are Your Premier Personal Injury Attorneys!

Personal injuries are more than a disruption in your life – they can change your life altogether. We are here to fight for you, whether in the courtroom or in a negotiating room. We are fierce advocates for victims of personal injuries and will spend every waking moment possible pursuing the best result for you. Call us today with your questions: 478-254-5040