Unexpected accidents happen regularly, and any accident could leave an innocent person with severe injuries. Thankfully, we usually have options for seeking justice after injuries caused by negligence. For instance, a carefully constructed personal injury claim could help a wounded plaintiff collect financial compensation and hold the careless defendant accountable.
If your significant injuries were caused by another person’s negligence, you might be feeling like you can never recover from your many losses. However, you are not without options. One of our knowledgeable Midland personal injury lawyers understands the claim process under state law and could fight to protect your legal rights.
When are Personal Injury Claims an Option?
Generally speaking, personal injury claims are a possibility after many different accidents. Some incidents are more common than others, which means that there are certain situations where people usually file these suits. Typical examples of situations that would entitle someone to file a personal injury claim include but are not limited to:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Bicycle crashes
- Slips, trips, or falls
- Accidents in the workplace
- Harm by defective products or dangerous medical devices
- Medical malpractice
Any of these situations could leave someone frightened and stressed about their future, but the state’s legal system helps them seek justice. One of our experienced attorneys in Midland could investigate the cause of the accident to figure out how to best begin the personal injury claims process.
Monetary Damages Associated with Personal Injury Cases
After an injured plaintiff demonstrates that the defendant’s negligence definitely caused the accident in question, they can usually start the process of collecting financial compensation for their setbacks. In most cases, monetary damages are either economic or non-economic in nature.
Economic damages are usually substantial – they provide reimbursement for expenses with an easily-determined financial cost, such as medical treatment or lost wages. Meanwhile, non-economic compensation usually repays a plaintiff for losses with a more subjective value, such as physical pain, emotional suffering, and reduced quality of daily life.
In some rare cases, an injured person might also be awarded punitive damages or exemplary damages, which increase the compensation and attempt to prevent similar conduct in the future. For instance, punitive damages might apply if a plaintiff was hit by a drunk driver. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 41.008 outlines that exemplary damages are subject to a cap that is equal to the larger of $200,000 or twice the value of economic damages, plus an equal amount of non-economic damages up to $750,000.
One of our intelligent lawyers in Midland understands the nuances of financial compensation and could fight to maximize the repayments that a personal injury claimant collects.
The Process of Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Most people begin submitting a personal injury claim by sending a demand letter to the defendant’s insurance party and gathering any relevant evidence about the accident. After the plaintiff files this demand, an insurance adjuster typically attempts to negotiate a settlement with the injured party. However, if both sides cannot agree on a settlement, the case would likely proceed to court.
When a lawsuit begins in court, it becomes much more complex and could take months to resolve. Retaining a legal representative is incredibly important during this stage. One of our firm’s seasoned injury attorneys from Midland understands how to navigate court trials and could protect a claimant’s rights during all stages of the resulting legal procedures.
Call a Midland Personal Injury Attorney Today
When you sustain injuries in an unexpected accident, you might feel lost trying to manage your expenses and recover physically. Additionally, negotiating with a corporate insurance company could be challenging without the assistance of a legal professional. Thankfully, a dedicated Midland personal injury lawyer from Kirk Law Firm, PLLC could fight for your best interests and work to secure fair compensation. Reach out to our office today to get started on your case.