Personal Injury Lawsuits
In matters of law, a personal injury is defined as any that results from another party's reckless, careless, or negligent actions. When an accident is the fault of another person or organization, a victim may file a personal injury lawsuit for monetary compensation. These lawsuits are intended to provide compensation for the losses suffered by injured parties and to discourage the continuation or repetition of the behavior that caused their injuries. In order to successfully litigate a client's claim, our personal injury attorneys perform extensive investigation and research in order to demonstrate that the defendant bears legal responsibility, or liability, for the injury. At Chanfrau & Chanfrau Law Firm our lawyers in Central Florida treat each personal injury lawsuit as the most important they have ever handled. To arrange an evaluation of your potential lawsuit, contact attorneys today.
The Stages of a Personal Injury Lawsuit
A personal injury lawsuit can be very challenging, which is why victims should never try to handle their own case. While many insurance companies are quick to offer settlements to a victim soon after an accident, we recommend contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer prior to accepting a settlement. Insurance companies typically offer minimal compensation in the hope that the victim will hastily accept an unfair offer. Don't be deceived by such practices.
Our personal injury lawyers offer Central Florida victims legal representation of an exceptional standard. We are experienced in handling claims involving motorcycle accidents, premises liability, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, motor vehicle accidents, dog bites, wrongful death, and many other catastrophic accidents and injuries. Our personal injury attorneys can help you obtain the compensation to which you are legally entitled.
Remember, all lawsuits are not the same. The following descriptions are general and may or may not apply specifically to your claim.
Starting a Lawsuit: Filing Papers
At a consultation with our attorneys in Daytona Beach, your personal injury lawsuit will be evaluated. This preliminary evaluation can take many months or up to one year to complete, as considerable investigation and legal research may be necessary to determine whether your case has merit. After carefully researching and investigating your case, if we decide that your claim has merit, our firm will file the necessary paperwork with the proper court. These pleadings include the complaint (or petition), which outlines your case against the defendant. The civil complaint is then served on the defendant, who may respond by submitting an answer to the allegations.
Discovery: Investigation and Research
During this methodical process, our attorneys gather relevant information to support your personal injury lawsuit. Reconstructionists, engineers, physicians and other experts may be consulted. This step, during which many cases are won or lost, is essential to a successful claim. We meticulously research each of our client's claims and prepare extensively for every case.
Resolution Before Trial: Settlements
A majority of personal injury claims are resolved before reaching a courtroom through negotiated settlements among the parties involved. The defendant agrees to pay damages; in return, the plaintiff agrees to abandon any further legal action. Our attorneys carefully weigh the pros and cons of any settlement offer and will advise the best course of action. We will never suggest a settlement unless we are convinced that it is in the best interest of a client.
Trial
If a settlement cannot be reached, our personal injury attorneys will take the victim's lawsuit to trial. We will argue the case and allow a judge and jury to determine whether the defendant is liable for the injury as well as the amount of monetary damages the defendant must pay. If successful, our lawyers will then work with the client to ensure the award is promptly paid.
Let Us Represent You
We fight aggressively on our clients' behalf and have achieved an impressive record of notable verdicts and settlements. If you have been injured as a result of an accident in DeLand, Port Orange, or another area in Central Florida, our team can advocate for your best interests. We encourage you to contact us today.