Being injured in a sudden personal injury accident can be an overwhelming experience. Often, personal injury victims suffer severe injuries that make a long-term impact on their lives. These problems can become financially challenging if the insurance company refuses to compensate you fairly for your losses.
If you have suffered a personal injury, do not hesitate to contact an experienced attorney. Robert H. Hanaford has over 35 years of experience helping his clients pursue litigation to recover compensation for the full extent of their losses. He is committed to treating each client like a friend and will personally help you navigate every step of the complex claims process.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Insurance Litigation Process
Soon after your accident you should seek medical attention and retain the services of an experienced attorney. An attorney for insurance claims can help you determine the total value of your claim and negotiate with the insuring company on your behalf. If a favorable settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your lawyer can help you pursue litigation for the losses you have suffered. The steps of the insurance litigation process are as follows:
Filing the Lawsuit
The first step of the litigation process is filing the lawsuit. All personal injury lawsuits must be filed within the statute of limitations or legal time limit. The statute of limitations for most personal injury cases in Florida is four years from the date of the accident.
The Discovery Phase
After the lawsuit is filed with the court, the discovery phase begins. During this step of the litigation process, the attorneys for the plaintiff and defendant investigate each other’s claims and defenses. Your attorney will collect evidence and depose witnesses to support your claim. Depending on the unique circumstances surrounding your accident, the discovery phase may take anywhere from six months to one year.
The Negotiation Phase
Once the facts of the case have been discovered by both parties, the negotiation phase begins. This phase is the last chance both parties have to settle the dispute before it proceeds to trial. Most personal injury cases never advance to trial and roughly 95% of cases are settled out of court.
The Trial Phase
If a settlement cannot be reached during the negotiation phase, your case will proceed to trial. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case your trial may last days, weeks, or even months until a verdict is reached.
Damages You May Be Able to Recover Through a Personal Injury Lawsuit
The aftermath of a severe personal injury can leave victims facing expensive medical bills among other accident-related expenses. If the insurance company refuses to work with you, our insurance claim attorney can help you file a lawsuit for damages. Some damages you may be eligible to recover through a personal injury lawsuit include the following:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning potential
- Significant disfigurement or disability
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
Your attorney will work with you to understand every detail of your case and determine which damages you may be entitled to receive.
Partner with a Skilled Personal Injury Attorney at The Law Office of Robert H. Hanaford
If you were injured in a personal injury accident, you do not need to fight for justice alone. Attorney Robert H. Hanaford has dedicated his 38-year career to helping personal injury victims recover the maximum compensation available for the losses they have endured. He knows the ins and outs of Florida law and is ready to apply his extensive knowledge and skills to your case. To learn more about how Attorney Hanaford can help you and schedule a free consultation, give us a call at (239) 315-9750 or complete our online contact form today.
