If you are suffering due to the reckless or negligent actions of another person, you do not have to suffer alone. It is possible that you have grounds to pursue recourse through a personal injury claim, a process that will allow you to seek justice, compensation and a fair outcome to your situation. While this may be the best course of action for you, it is in your interests to have a reasonable understanding of what to expect and how you can bolster your chance of success.
The personal injury process can take time, and there is no guarantee that you will get your money in a timely manner, even if you have a valid claim. Before you move forward with the personal injury claims process, you may want to seek an understanding of your legal options and an explanation of the steps you can take that will allow you to more effectively fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
A complex legal process
Like any other legal process, the personal injury claims process can come with complications and setbacks. There is a statute of limitations that applies to cases like these, which means that you may not have an extended amount of time to move forward with your claim. After you decide to move forward, there will be paperwork required, and you will benefit from collecting as much documentation and evidence as possible to support your claim. Two options for resolving personal injury claims include:
- Informal settlement — This is a negotiated settlement between the two parties, eliminating the need to go to court. These negotiations can involve both parties, their representation, insurance companies and others.
- Formal lawsuit — This is the course of action in cases in which a negotiated settlement is not possible. Both sides will appear in court, presenting their evidence and seeking their desired outcome.
There is no guaranteed way to determine exactly how long a personal injury claim will take to resolve. Factors that could impact this could include the complexity of the case, willingness of both sides to negotiate and more. However, you will benefit from not wasting any time to seek an understanding of your legal options and the steps you can take that will increase your chance of success with the North Carolina civil justice system.