Injury Attorney Los Angeles Professionals Discuss The Stages Of A Lawsuit

By Author: janet jhon
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Going through a personal injury lawsuit can be a traumatic experience. A lot of the trauma comes from not knowing what to expect. But when you work with an injury attorney Los Angeles professional, you don’t have to let the experience bring you down. They can help you through each step so you know exactly what is going on. Here are four main stages of the personal injury litigation process to help relieve some of your concern.

Filing the Complaint

This is the first step in going through a personal injury case. As the plaintiff, you will file a complaint. The complaint explains the reason for the lawsuit and the amount of damages that you are pursuing. The defendant then answers the complaint in which they will either deny or admit the allegations in the complaint.

Discovery

Once the complaint process is over, both of the parties will then engage in the discovery process. This is the stage where both parties do investigations to gather information to help them argue their case. This often includes depositions, requests for documentation and other information.

Settlement Talks

Before ...
... going to court, both parties will often enter into settlement talks. During this time, the defendant and their insurance company will make an offer of compensation. It is up to the plaintiff and their lawyer to accept it or proceed with a trial. Both parties can negotiate back and forth to see if an agreement on compensation can be reached. If no agreement can be reached, then the trial is the next logical step.

Trial

The trial is what most people think about when it comes to a personal injury lawsuit. This is when both sides present the evidence for their case in front of a judge. The plaintiff’s lawyers present their case first and then the defendant’s lawyers present their defense against the allegations. This is generally the longest stage of the process. Depending on the complexity and severity of the case, the trial stage could last anywhere from a couple days to several months.

Verdict

When both sides have argued their case, it’s time for the judge to declare a verdict. Or, if it’s a jury trial, the jury deliberates and returns with a verdict.

Appeals

Even though the verdict is declared, there is a chance for appeal in a number of instances. Either side can file an appeal if there is a good reason. Your injury attorney Los Angeles professionals can help you through the appeals process if there is a reason to do so.

Injury attorney Los Angeles - For all of your personal injury litigation needs, the legal professionals at the Law Offices of Scott D. Oppenheim can help. They have provided professional legal assistance for more than three decades.