The Legal Process of Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Edmonton
If you are considering filing a personal injury claim or have already begun the process, you may be curious about the next steps. The very first move would be to find a lawyer who can best represent you and what you want. They may be able to help you navigate the legal complexities that arise when filing a claim and seeking compensation from insurance companies.
You may want to schedule an initial consultation, which are free with our Edmonton personal injury lawyers at Verhaeghe Law Office. Contact us today to set up a meeting.
Initiating a Lawsuit and Litigation
There is a wide range of personal injury claims that could be filed. Some include:
- Car accident claims
- Slip and fall claims
- Disability claims
- Truck injury claims
- Pedestrian injury claims
- Medical malpractice or professional negligence claims
- Defective product injury claims
- And more
In pre-litigation, your lawyer may deal with a representative from the other party’s insurance company and gather evidence. The role of medical evidence in your personal injury case can be an important one, as it may significantly impact your claim’s success and the level of compensation you are awarded.
In this part of the process, it is imperative that you disclose as much information pertaining to your incident as possible, so that your lawyer can seek proper compensation on your behalf. Depending on the type of claim you file and the particulars of your case, the length of the pre-litigation period could last anywhere between weeks to years.
When the other party refuses to offer fair compensation and all other options fail, you may have to go to court. During the litigation period, both parties will build their case, find witnesses and submit evidence to support their side. Litigation lasts up until the claim gets resolved so again, this could last weeks or even years, depending on the complexity of the claim.
Settling a Claim
Resolving a personal injury claim can happen in many ways. How can a personal injury lawyer help? They may ensure that your legal rights are protected and find a solution you may not have known was an available option. In Edmonton, your compensation will be determined based on many factors - including how your life has changed due to your injury, what it has cost you financially, the severity of your injuries, the length of recovery time, and if you lost any potential earnings.
In some cases, it is possible to solve a claim in the pre-trial phase if your lawyer can reach a settlement with the other party’s insurer during negotiations or mediations. Many lawsuits are settled during the discovery process (also known as Questioning) - in these circumstances, there would be no need to go to court.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Edmonton Personal Injury Lawyers
While dealing with the legalities surrounding a personal injury claim, you are probably also trying to recover from your injuries. During this potentially stressful time, you may consider working with an Edmonton personal injury lawyer who could ensure that your case is being handled properly.
The personal injury lawyers at Verhaeghe Law Office handle many types of claims and may be able to assist you through yours. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
** Please note, this article is intended as a general overview on the subject of personal injury law, and is not intended to be legal advice. If you are seeking legal advice, please consult with an Alberta personal injury lawyer.