If you suffered an injury in Cleveland due to the negligent acts of another person or entity, state law allows you to hold them accountable. You are entitled to pursue civil litigation against the at-fault party in an effort to recover financial compensation. If successful, you could receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and more.
In many cases, the at-fault party will agree to resolve your claim amicably. In others, your only option for obtaining the compensation you deserve is through a lawsuit. In either case, having skilled legal counsel on your side is vital.
A Cleveland personal injury lawyer can assist you with every aspect of your claim. From advising you on your chances of recovering compensation to filing a lawsuit on your behalf, your attorney plays a vital role in the litigation process. To learn more about how an attorney could help, call (800) 730-1331 to schedule a free consultation with Ben Crump Law, PLLC.
Common Types of Personal Injury Claims
Any careless, reckless, or intentional act could result in a claim for compensation if it results in your injury. While the factors that could lead to a personal injury claim are limitless, they each fall into a few common categories.
Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common forms of personal injury claims. In fact, these injuries represent the leading cause of accidental injury and death for people over 65, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These accidents can occur on public sidewalks, private property, or within businesses open to the public. The right attorney could assist you in bringing a claim under any of these circumstances.
Motor vehicle accidents are another common type of personal injury claim. Traffic crashes in 2018 killed 36,560 people, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Most of these crashes were due to driver errors.
Medical malpractice is also a common form of personal injury claim. When doctors, surgeons, nurses, or hospital staff make a mistake, the consequences for the patient could be severe. These claims involve everything from surgical errors to incorrect diagnosis to negligent prescriptions.
Premises liability claims are also common. These involve accidents that occur on the property of another person. While this category includes slip and fall accidents, it could also involve injuries related to exposure to dangerous chemicals or even animal attacks.
Any injury stemming from an act of negligence could result in a successful legal claim. If you have questions about recovering damages for your injuries, Ben Crump Law, PLLC may be able to help. Call us today to schedule a free consultation to see how a Cleveland personal injury lawyer can help you with your personal injury case.
For a free legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer serving Cleveland, call (800) 730-1331
Steps in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
No two injury claims are exactly alike. While some resolve quickly through a negotiated settlement, others can last for years until a jury trial is finally scheduled. While injury claims are different in many ways, they all follow the same general timeline.
Injury claims usually start with a demand letter. A demand letter is a document sent by the plaintiff’s attorney to the at-fault party, their lawyer, or their insurance company. It highlights the amount of compensation they are seeking in exchange for not pursuing an injury lawsuit. Sometimes the demand letter will spur settlement negotiations that lead to a quick resolution. When the case does not settle immediately, the next step involves filing a lawsuit.
Once the plaintiff files their lawsuit and serves a copy to the other side, the defendant will have the opportunity to respond. This response, which is known as the answer, will either admit or deny the allegations made by the plaintiff. Once the initial pleadings are finished, the discovery process will begin.
Discovery is the process by which both parties exchange details about the evidence they intend to use at trial. It can include copies of documents or depositions of potential witnesses. Depending on the complexity of the case, discovery can take months or even years.
Once discovery is completed, it is time for both parties to begin preparing for trial. The date of trial will depend in large part on what the court’s schedule looks like. In some jurisdictions, trial dockets are booked up months or even years in advance.
At trial, both sides will have the opportunity to put on witnesses and make their case. Your attorney will also have the opportunity to ask the witnesses called by the defense any questions they might have. At the close of the case, the judge will instruct the jury and send them to deliberate. If they decide in your favor, the judge will enter a monetary judgment against the defendant.
Cleveland Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me (800) 730-1331
Compensation for Your Injuries
The compensation available in these cases varies as much as the potential causes of a personal injury claim. The good news is that any physical, emotional, or financial harm you suffer due to your injury could lead to financial compensation from the at-fault party. Some of the types of damages that could be available in your case include:
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Past medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Diminished future earning capacity
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship
Your attorney can advise you on the compensation that may be available in your case. It is imperative that you pursue all forms of compensation that you are entitled to, or you risk missing out on the full amount of possible compensation.
Click to contact our Areas We Serve today
A Cleveland Personal Injury Attorney Could Help Recover Compensation
Following an injury, your first instinct is likely to protect your health by seeking medical care. It is also important that you also protect your legal rights. If you ignore your legal claim following an accident, you could miss out on the compensation you are entitled to.
A Cleveland personal injury lawyer can work with you to pursue a favorable outcome for your claim. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (800) 730-1331 to schedule your free case evaluation.
Call or text (800) 730-1331 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
