Regardless of the reason for your injury, you may consider filing a personal injury lawsuit to receive compensation. You could be entitled to financial compensation if you were injured at work, at home, or in a commuting accident. To file a successful claim, you’ll need to prove that the accident happened, but assessing the nature and severity of your injury takes time. But how are you supposed to know how much compensation you can claim if you are still in the process of assessing and healing from the injury? Whether you see a doctor and get a diagnosis or simply wait to see if you have unknown injuries that will surface later, you need to be able to assess the impact of the personal injury on your life. Read on to understand when you should file a personal injury lawsuit.

When Should You File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

You may be considering filing a personal injury lawsuit after you have received medical treatment, but it is best to get the case started as soon as possible. Everyone who files a lawsuit has a deadline to meet, and if you want to take your case to trial, you need to meet that deadline. Keep in mind that starting this process does not mean you have to close your case or accept a settlement before you fully determine the extent of your personal injury.

Statute of Limitations

Every lawsuit has a state law that sets a time limit for filing the case, called the statute of limitations. Different deadlines apply to different cases, and you and your attorney should settle your case before the deadline expires, because if time runs out, you lose your right to file a lawsuit. However, there are exceptions that may extend this time limit, such as incapacity and being a minor.

Although many personal injury cases are often resolved through financial settlements rather than going to court, it is still important to be aware of the statute of limitations. There are instances when negotiations with the at-fault party or company fail and you eventually have to file a lawsuit. If the time limit for filing the lawsuit has passed, you may not be able to pursue further legal recourse for compensation. So make sure you hire a personal injury attorney to discuss this.

Maximum Medical Improvement and Settlement

Before you decide to accept a settlement, you need to verify that you have reached maximum medical improvement. This means that you have either fully recovered or are as healthy as possible after your injuries. Talk to your attorney to evaluate your damages, especially if your injuries will require future medical treatment and whether this will have a financial impact. Check to see if you are entitled to other intangible damages, such as emotional trauma, physical disfigurement or disability, in addition to economic damages. 

Do Not Hesitate to Contact an Attorney

If you have been involved in an accident or have a loved one who has gotten injured, make sure to contact an attorney or law firm to discuss your situation. Law firms that specialize in personal injury, like Corradino & Papa, have the knowledge and experience to help you investigate and represent your case so that you can receive the compensation you deserve. Contact Corradino & Papa today for a free initial consultation.