How the Personal Injury Legal Process Works
Lawyers in Westminster, Boulder
If you become injured, and believe that injury was the result of someone else's actions, you are entitled to financial restitution for your medical bills, damages, court costs, and pain and suffering. In order to obtain that restitution, you must file a personal injury lawsuit.
This is not something the average person knows how to do - which is why, in almost all cases, you should hire a lawyer. At the law firm of Hull & Zimmerman, we'll be with you every step of the way. However, in any legal matter, information is key. With that in mind, here are the five steps of the personal injury lawsuit process:
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The filing of a Complaint or Petition
This is when the Plaintiff (you) sends notice to the Defendant (the responsible party) that a lawsuit has begun. It informs the Defendant of the facts and applicable laws which supports the Plaintiff's claim. -
Discovery
After the Complaint or Petition is filed, both sides then enter into a fact-finding stage called "Discovery." This involves obtaining written testimony from all relevant witnesses, the exchange of all relevant documents, and depositions from any relevant experts. In more complicated cases - such as medical malpractice claims - this Discovery process can take a long time. -
The setting of a court date
After discovery is complete, a judge sets a court date. This date is often several months into the future - although circumstances change based on what sort of court (state or federal) the case is being handled in. -
Settlement or other resolution
Many personal injury cases are settled before they ever reach trial. For instance, if the Defendant feels that he or she is going to lose the case, they may offer financial restitution in lieu of trial. This is especially true in cases where the Defendant is a large corporation or other public entity. The resulting negative publicity of losing a court case is something which most large institutions wish to avoid. -
Trial
Trial is a last resort. However, when you file a lawsuit, you want a lawyer on your side who treats every case as if it will end up in court. At the Hull & Zimmerman Law Firm, we have an extensive, successful track record when it comes to going to court and winning.
The process of filing a personal injury lawsuit can be intimidating, but at Hull & Zimmerman we'll be with you every step of the way. We'll explain your options and give your case the personalized attention it deserves.
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Greater Denver metro area and Colorado Personal Injury Lawyers.
Hull and Zimmerman, P.C.
2921 W. 120th Ave., Ste 220
Westminster, Colorado 80234
Phone: 303-423-1770
Fax: 303-423-2102
Toll Free: 1-866-385-3505
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