At Saffren and Weinberg, Marc Alan Weinberg, Attorney and Kenneth Scott Saffren, Attorney are partners. The firm’s tagline is “The People’s Voice In Court.” They make themselves available via phone at (215) 576-0100 or by email on the Saffren and Weinberg website. Saffren and Weinberg provides a no-charge, complimentary case review and answers questions for prospective clients.
The Different Stages of a Personal Injury Trial
Personal injury cases or accidents may occur due to various reasons, but the stages in which the case progresses usually remain the same. It is essential to get an overview of the different aspects involved in a personal injury case. For example, ‘when should you contact personal injury lawyer’ and ‘what should you expect from the attorney’ are the general questions on everyone’s mind before they engage with a lawyer.
It is also essential for you to know about the initial court filings involved, the likely outcomes of a personal injury trial and the process of collecting the amount that was decided by the judge.
Personal Injury Trial
If you are a claimant, you’ll be given an opportunity to present your matter against the defendant in the personal injury trial. The trial would also allow the defendant a chance to disprove your case and defend themselves.
The judge or jury would inspect the evidence to conclude whether the defendant should be held legally responsible for the injuries suffered that you have suffered. It is good to know that majority of the personal injury cases get resolved before the proceedings even make it to trial. These happen either through alternative dispute resolution, informal settlement negotiations or dismissal of the situation.
Personal Injury Lawyer
If your injury is due to someone else’s negligence, you must contact a local personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options. Make sure that you don’t exceed the time limit for filing the case; it’s vital that you contact your lawyer as soon as possible after an injury.
Important Stages of a Personal Injury Case
- Meeting the Personal Injury Attorney: The most critical stage is to find an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer who can handle your case sensibly. You must explain the entire case in detail to your lawyer. This will help them weigh the situation and tell you what your chances are, and the likely outcomes that may come from your case. You must follow the advice and guidance shared by your lawyer till the time the final verdict is reached.
- Initiating the Case: Your personal injury lawyer would explain the pleadings or first court papers required to be filed in the court and prepare you for the case before the trial starts.
- Fact-Finding and Discovery: Every lawsuit involves a regular phase before the trial called “discovery.” It’s the process that allows each party to collect relevant facts from the other side and prepare thoroughly for the case. Discovery thus reduces the likelihood of surprises during the trial. The process can be completed through document production, written discovery, and depositions.
- The Resolution before Trial/Court Motions: Many cases may get resolved by a motion to dismiss or through other actions which may request the court to dismiss the case before trial. While deciding a motion, the court would analyze the facts from the perspective more favorable to the petitioner
- Settlement: A majority of legal cases arising from personal injuries get resolved in the litigation process through an agreement negotiated mutually among the parties.
- Trial Proceedings: Trial is the opportunity for both the parties to present their respective cases and arguments in the court. After hearing the arguments, the judge would consider whether the defendant is responsible for the accident or personal injury caused to the claimant. The judge would also decide the amount of money the defendant should pay.
- Collecting Money After Judgment: You may be required to take further steps and incur additional expenses, despite winning the case if the defendant refuses to pay the damage amount
- Appealing a Decision or Judgment: The losing party may appeal to the higher court for getting the decision reversed.
Saffren & Weinberg is a dedicated personal injury that wants to help you with your case. As you can see, a lot is going on before, during and after a trial. The evidence and the reasoning to back your case should be airtight for you to have a chance to receive the right amount of compensation. Contact us at (215) 576-0100 to find out how we can help you out during these troubled times.
