Injuries occur in a number of different ways, but when one person is directly or indirectly responsible for the injuries of another, the injured party does have a right to seek compensation.
To do this, they will more than likely need the aid of a Swanton personal injury lawyer with experience handling these types of cases. If the court believes that the claim of the injured individual is valid, it may require the responsible party to offer a sum of money to the victim.
During a personal injury trial, your injury attorney will need to establish that the other party engaged in the negligent behavior. Continue reading the following information to learn more about the various components of a personal injury case.
The Concept of Negligence
The concept of negligence is a major aspect of any personal injury case, and understanding what it is can help you have a clearer perspective of your case. As your Swanton personal injury lawyer will explain, negligence involves consciously disregarding the safety and well-being of other individuals.
For example, if you fall in the icy parking lot of a retail store after a winter storm, the owner of the store can be held liable since it was the responsibility of the owner to ensure that the parking lot was clear of ice and other hazards. To prove this, your attorney will need to prove that the other party:
- Had a moral and legal obligation to ensure your safety (at least to some degree).
- Failed to honor this obligation by refusing to take reasonable action to prevent your injuries.
- Caused your injuries through their failure or refusal to take reasonable action.
If your Swanton injury lawyer can show that all three of the statements above applies to the defendant, you will have a good chance of winning your case.
Seeking Compensation for Your Injuries
Injuries can be both traumatic and expensive, and it is unfair that you should have to suffer due to the negligence of another person. The vast majority of injured individuals choose to seek compensation through the court system, and many are awarded.
This is important to understand, and even if the defendant was not found guilty in a criminal court, he or she can still be held liable for your injuries in a civil court. During a trial, it is common to seek compensation for:
- Emotional pain and trauma
- Past, current, and future medical bills
- Loss of wages (if the injury prevents you from working)
- Property damage
- Court costs
After a serious injury, it is common to face mountains of medical bills, and if your injury leaves you unemployed, you could have difficulty making ends meet. At any point during the trial, the defendant can offer a settlement, which is a sum of money paid to the victim in an attempt to prevent further litigation.
If you accept the settlement, you may not move forward with your case. It is wise to consult your Swanton personal injury lawyer before accepting any type of settlement.
Contact a Swanton Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you have been injured by another person, and you are ready to obtain the justice you desire, please contact a Swanton injury lawyer at our firm. We know how to handle all types of personal injury claims, and we will do our best to represent you in court. Contact our law firm to discuss the details of your case today.