Northeast Indiana Personal Injury Case Process

A personal injury case results when a person suffers serious injuries because of someone else’s negligent or intentional acts and pursues monetary compensation from the at-fault party. If you’ve been injured due to another individual or entity’s actions, like a motor vehicle crash or slip and fall, you’re probably wondering what happens in a personal injury case. While the specific steps and processes will differ from one case to another, here’s what you can generally expect if you decide to file a personal injury case.

Discussing Your Case With an Indiana Personal Injury Attorney

You should speak to an Indiana personal injury attorney with experience in cases similar to yours. During your consultation, the attorney will determine whether you have a solid case against the party that caused your injuries.

Pre-Filing Negotiations with Insurance Companies

Our attorneys at Andrews & Crell take immense pride in our ability to secure appropriate settlements for our clients without the need to file a case. Our attorneys’ unwavering commitment, extensive expertise, and remarkable negotiation skills set us apart and make us a trusted ally for individuals seeking swift and satisfactory resolutions to their insurance claims.

Filing Suit (if needed)

If your attorney determines that your case will hold up in court, they will complete and file the necessary paperwork. During this time, various documents will be exchanged between you and the defendant (the person you’re filing a lawsuit against), including answers, motions, and complaints. 

Going Through The Discovery Process

During this process, both parties request and receive information from each other to determine the facts of the case. The defendant will not be able to access privileged information, so it’s best to let your attorney handle this process to avoid hurting your case. 

Filing Pretrial Motions

Both parties may file pretrial motions before the trial starts. Depending on the results of these motions, all parties must abide by specific ground rules while the case is ongoing. Keep in mind that pretrial motions can be powerful and may even result in the dismissal of the case before it even reaches the trial stage. 

Settlement Negotiations and Mediation

Negotiations can resolve many personal injury cases before they head to trial, saving everyone involved money and time. Otherwise, the case proceeds to trial. It’s crucial to note that most personal injury claims settle even before the trial starts. The parties can agree to settle the case at any point in the personal injury case process, even before a claim is filed and during the trial.

The Trial (if needed)

During the trial, both parties will present their arguments and evidence to support their claim and discredit the other party’s claim. After the judge hears the case, the jury will deliberate, and the judge will pass their final judgment, which may involve awarding the injured party monetary damages to cover the losses they incurred because of their personal injuries. 

The Appeal

Either party may appeal the case if there’s a dispute or legal error in the case results. 

Negotiate, Reduce, and Resolve Any Subrogation Liens Attached to Client’s Award

Subrogation liens, which are typically asserted by the client’s own insurance company, arise when the insurer seeks reimbursement for the medical expenses or other services they provided to the client. We understand these can significantly impact the overall award received by our clients, potentially reducing the amount available to cover their damages and losses. Because of this, we dedicate substantial effort to diligently and skillfully negotiate these liens, striving to minimize their impact and secure the most favorable outcome for our clients.

Payout of Award

How much compensation you are entitled to receive is figured out, and the award is then paid out.

Seek Legal Assistance From a Skilled Indiana Personal Injury Attorney Now

If you or a loved one has been hurt in an incident because of negligence, reach out to a skilled Indiana personal injury attorney at Andrews & Crell, PC, to discuss your case. Your attorney will evaluate your case, determine your legal options, inform you of your legal rights, and help you understand the personal injury case process. Call our office or fill out our online contact form to set up an appointment with our Indiana personal injury attorney.