One of the first tasks our lawyers will accomplish is determining the value of your claim. Without knowing that, you might accept a settlement that leaves crucial damages uncovered, which we can avoid at all costs.
We will also get all necessary medical records and other evidence for your case, like witness statements and relevant photos or videos. Take doctors’ advice, and do not engage in any activity that might worsen an injury, including returning to work prematurely. Some lawsuits take longer than others, though our attorneys can work hard to hasten your recovery in Fountain Inn.
For a free case assessment from Rice Law, call our personal injury lawyers for help at (803) 219-4906.
How Much is My Fountain Inn Personal Injury Claim Worth?
You should know how much your personal injury case is worth before filing to avoid accepting a subpar settlement. We can accurately quantify your case after assessing all damages, tangible and intangible.
Tangible damages, or economic damages, are concrete losses like missed income and medical bills. Intangible or non-economic damages are subjective losses, like the chronic pain associated with an injury and the mental anguish it causes.
The defendant’s conduct may increase your claim’s value, too. Defendants who cause severe harm to plaintiffs and exhibit egregious behavior may also have to pay punitive damages. Our skilled lawyers can assess if your case qualifies for punitive damages when you contact us for help.
Do not assume your claim’s value before confirming it with our lawyers.
What Medical Records Do I Need for My Personal Injury Case?
Any medical records detailing your injuries or treatment may be relevant to your case. With your permission, our personal injury lawyers can get these documents from hospitals and other providers. Medical records are necessary evidence in personal injury lawsuits, so prioritize building yours.
It is helpful to generate medical records immediately after an accident, so go to the hospital as soon as possible if you notice any injuries. If symptoms appear hours or even days later, get medical attention then.
We also require records to prove the ongoing treatment you have received. These records can confirm an injury is still present, as well as updates about your physical recovery.
Continue attending all doctor appointments and avoid exacerbating any injuries.
How to Get Photo and Video Evidence for Fountain Inn Injury Claims
We can compile photos you took, pictures from eyewitnesses, and videos from other sources, using them as evidence to prove the defendant’s fault.
Take Pictures Yourself
If you have your phone or another device with you during an accident, use it to take pictures. Photograph anything that seems relevant, such as property damage, property hazards, lacerations or other visible injuries, and debris.
We can use these photos to reconstruct the accident and explain the sequence of events to the jury, so please do not delete any before sending them to our lawyers.
Investigate Other Sources
We may also obtain video and photo evidence from other sources. Eyewitnesses may have useful images, as might nearby security cameras. Slip and falls, car crashes and other incidents are often caught on film, and we can obtain footage before it is deleted.
Tell us if the liable party also owns security footage, such as after a slip and fall in a restaurant. They may be incentivized to delete that footage so we can write and send preservation letters demanding they do not.
Can I Return to Work During My Personal Injury Lawsuit in Fountain Inn, SC?
Do not return to work if doing so goes against doctors’ advice. We understand that lost wages are very detrimental to victims, and we can seek compensation for them in a lawsuit.
Returning to work before you are fully physically recovered might worsen your injury. If you then need additional medical care and incur even more damages, the defendant might refuse to cover them.
Some victims can never regain their previous earning capacity after an accident. In these scenarios, we can request compensation for future lost wages so they do not continue to affect you.
Do I Need Witnesses to Testify During a Personal Injury Trial?
Having witnesses testify helps plaintiffs prove their personal injury lawsuits in Fountain Inn. We can start identifying eyewitnesses right away, contact them, and interview them so their memories stay intact.
Tell us about any eyewitnesses you saw during the accident and if you got their contact information. Not all accidents have eyewitnesses apart from the victim and the liable party, so do not let that keep you from seeking compensation.
You are a witness, too, so you can testify about what happened. You can describe how the defendant was negligent, the injuries you sustained, and the damages you have suffered.
How Long Do Personal Injury Lawsuits Take to Resolve in Fountain Inn?
Since every personal injury lawsuit is unique, they all take different lengths of time to resolve. Many lawsuits are resolved via out-of-court settlements, while some end with jury awards after defendants are found liable at trial.
Your case may take months to prepare, so you should initiate it long before the three-year statute of limitations runs out. The discovery stage follows a filing and involves attorneys for both sides requesting information and evidence. This takes time in and of itself.
Then comes settlement negotiations. When discovery reveals that we have a very strong case, the defendant may be more likely to offer a better settlement sooner. Some defendants are too stubborn and refuse to increase offers to a fair amount for plaintiffs. In these situations, victims may proceed with trials.
Even the most complex personal injury trials can be resolved within just over a week, with many concluding within several days.
Call the Fountain Inn, SC Injury Lawyers at Rice Law for Help
For a free case analysis from Rice Law, call (803) 219-4906 and speak to our personal injury lawyers.