If someone makes a claim against you, the first step is to file a complaint (a legal document outlining the injury and requesting damages). A complaint is filed in the county where the injury occurred and served on the defendant. Once served, the defendant has 30 days to respond to the complaint. This response is called an “answer” and involves the defendant admitting or denying the allegations.
Getting a fair shake
As a victim of a personal injury, you deserve accurate, useful information about how to file a claim and deal with insurance companies. The claims process can be complex and requires the help of a seasoned injury attorney. Hiring the right attorney can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.
Defending yourself against a personal injury claim
There are a number of factors to consider when defending yourself against a personal injury claim. First, you must understand the allegations made in the complaint. You may not need to prove the truth of these allegations, but you will need to show that the claim is unfounded. Regardless, you will need to hire a personal injury defense attorney to help you fight the case.
When you are defending yourself against a personal injury claim, you need to understand that the defendant will have an attorney representing them. This attorney is usually provided by their insurance company. By preparing yourself for every possible defense, you will limit the ways in which the defendant can deny responsibility.
Exaggerating your injuries
It is important to avoid exaggerating your injuries when making a claim for personal injury. Even if you have been injured in a car accident, it can be difficult to fully describe your pain, symptoms, and time to recover. It is also essential to provide accurate medical documentation to your insurer and the court. If you are injured in a car accident, be sure to seek medical treatment and report every symptom to your healthcare provider. Your doctor or health insurer may want to document these symptoms for your personal injury claim, which can help prevent unfair accusations of injury exaggeration. Don’t post your pain or injury symptoms on social media, either.
People who make personal injury claims are often tempted to embellish their injuries in an attempt to secure a higher compensation settlement. This is a big mistake and is illegal. If you lie about your injuries, you are exposing yourself to criminal liability under Pennsylvania’s perjury laws. If the defendant can show that you deliberately exaggerated your injuries, you may be held responsible for fraudulent prosecution.
Choosing a personal injury attorney
When making a personal injury claim, you need to choose a lawyer with whom you feel comfortable working. You should also try to find an attorney with whom you have a personal connection. A personal injury case is very personal and you will have to share intimate details about yourself with your attorney. It’s not enough that the attorney has a flashy office or the most expensive office space. You should look for someone who has a personal connection with you and who understands your case.
Read more here: What happens if someone makes a personal injury claim against me?
One way to find a personal injury attorney is to do a search online. You may want to look for attorneys in your area and in the surrounding cities. Some attorneys have specialized practice areas, such as asbestos or toxic poisoning, while others focus on a variety of different types of cases. You can also look for lawyers who specialize in different types of personal injury claims, such as car accidents, slip and fall cases, or workers’ compensation claims. The selection process can be difficult, but it’s essential to choose a lawyer who has the skills, experience, and skill set that will best meet your needs.