Injuries can be painful to endure and expensive to treat, but you should not have to bear the burden of recovery alone. Those who caused your injuries may be held responsible in a lawsuit, and a lawyer can help you recover financial compensation.
Damages in a personal injury lawsuit are unique to each case, but often include medical costs, damaged or destroyed personal property, lost wages if you cannot work while injured, pain and suffering, and more. Evidence is also unique, but things like photos of the accident scene, witness testimony, and medical records about your injuries are likely going to be important. A lawyer can take all this information and draft and file a formal complaint to begin your case.
Contact our personal injury attorneys for a free, private case review by calling Basch, Keegan & Spada at (845) 303-2748.
What Damages Should You Claim in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Damages should accurately reflect your financial losses from your personal injuries, as well as the painful experiences that may be more difficult to quantify.
Medical Expenses
Medical care is crucial in personal injury cases, especially if your injuries are serious. Even if they are not, you must still be treated immediately to prevent minor injuries from becoming worse. Keep records of all medical costs and hospital bills.
Lost Income
You might be unable to return to work after an accident, and many people step away from their jobs while they recover. The longer you cannot work, the more income you might lose.
Not only can we claim the income you have lost, but our personal injury attorneys can also estimate the income you may continue to lose during your recovery, however long it lasts.
Property Damage
People often lose property or personal items in accidents. For example, if you are hurt in a car accident, your car and everything inside are likely damaged and will require expensive repairs or replacements. These costs should be accurately calculated and added to your overall damages.
Pain and Suffering
Accidents are not just expensive but also incredibly painful and can cause significant trauma and distress in victims. While these experiences might not be measured in monetary terms, they still deserve fair compensation. The greater your pain and suffering, the higher your claim for damages should be.
What You Need to Prove Your Personal Injury Claims in Saugerties, NY
It is not enough to make claims about injuries and costs after an accident. We must also have evidence to support your claims, which might come from various sources depending on your unique circumstances.
Photos and Videos
People often take photos and record videos after accidents, usually while they wait for help to arrive. These records may be used to show an insurance company the extent of the damage, and they can also be entered into evidence in a court of law.
Witness Testimony
If other people were involved in your accident or in a position to see it unfold, they may provide sworn testimony about what they saw. Their stories can help us piece together an accurate picture of the accident and shed light on who is responsible.
Medical Information
We should also have evidence related to your injuries. Medical records from when you received treatment can help us establish the extent of your injuries and the cost of medical care. Especially severe or complex injuries may require expert testimony from medical professionals.
Police Investigation Reports
The authorities investigate many accidents, and the police may write a formal report containing various information and evidence they uncovered. While the report itself is often inadmissible because of hearsay, we may still use it to locate the evidence found by the police.
How Do You Begin Your Personal Injury Lawsuit
Starting your lawsuit will not be simple, and it is best to have an experienced lawyer by your side to make sure the process is as efficient as possible.
Contact an Experienced Attorney
Your first step should be to reach out to a lawyer about your case. Many people are unsure how to assess damages, find evidence, or argue the merits of a personal injury lawsuit in a court of law. While you are not required to hire a lawyer, it is in your best interest to do so.
See a Doctor Immediately
After experiencing any injury, you must see a doctor immediately. If your injuries are severe or you are unable to leave the accident scene on your own, call 911 and get an ambulance.
Not only should you get treatment to prevent your injuries from becoming worse, but the sooner your doctors begin compiling your medical records about your injuries, the more accurate these records may be as evidence.
Write a Formal Legal Complaint
Your attorney should take all the information and evidence about your accident and injuries and write a formal complaint to file in court. The complaint is the legal document that officially begins your lawsuit, so it must be accurate and carefully constructed.
What Kind of Injuries Are Involved in Personal Injury Claims?
Injuries may range from routine fractures, lacerations, and soft-tissue injuries to catastrophic injuries like brain damage or spinal cord injuries.
Remember, injuries do not have to be severe, life-threatening, or life-altering to be grounds for a lawsuit. However, car accident lawsuits require “serious” injuries, which have a specific legal definition. Otherwise, you can only file through your own insurance.
Do Personal Injury Lawsuits Take a Long Time?
It is normal for personal injury lawsuits to take at least several months, if not more than a year. The legal process is known for being somewhat slow, and your case may be at the mercy of the court’s schedule.
While this can be frustrating, do not let it deter you from seeking justice and fair compensation. You may have your own insurance that can help cover damages in the meantime while you await full compensation at trial.
Ask Our Personal Injury Attorneys in Saugerties, NY for Legal Help Today
Contact our personal injury attorneys for a free, private case review by calling Basch, Keegan & Spada at (845) 303-2748.