THE STAGES OF PERSONAL INJURY

A clearer picture
of the road ahead.

A general overview of how a personal injury matter can progress. Cases vary, stages can overlap, and not every case requires a lawsuit or trial.

01
Accident occurs
You are injured in an incident, such as a vehicle collision or fall. The circumstances and the resulting harm become part of the case evaluation.
02
Seek medical attention
Your health comes first. Medical evaluation and treatment address your injuries, and the resulting records can help document your condition.
03
Consult an attorney
Discuss your rights, explore your options, and ask questions about possible next steps.
04
Investigation of the claim
Your legal team gathers evidence, which may include incident reports, medical records, witness statements, and photographs.
05
Demand letter
Your attorney may present a demand to the responsible party or an insurer, explaining the claim and seeking compensation.
06
Negotiation
Your attorney discusses potential resolutions with the other side while considering your interests and goals.
07
File a lawsuit
When appropriate, a lawsuit is filed in court. Filing starts formal litigation, but settlement discussions may continue.
08
Discovery
The parties exchange information and evidence. This may include depositions, written questions, and document requests.
09
Mediation or arbitration
A neutral third party may help the parties try to resolve the dispute through mediation. Arbitration, when applicable, is a separate process that can involve a decision by an arbitrator.
10
Trial
If the case proceeds to trial, the parties present evidence and arguments, and a judge or jury decides the issues presented.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Let’s talk about
what comes next.

You do not need to have every answer before reaching out.

Stages can overlap, repeat, or change. Not every matter requires a lawsuit.