Cases involving personal injury occur when someone is harmed or injured as a result of the careless or deliberate actions of another person.
These cases often involve complex legal procedures and require the expertise of skilled attorneys who specialize in personal injury law. It is done in order to navigate the legal system and advocate for the rights of the injured party.
These cases can arise from various incidents, such as car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, or defective product injuries.
Personal injury law aims to provide compensation to victims for their financial, emotional, and physical losses, holding the responsible party accountable.
Understanding personal injury cases is crucial for individuals seeking justice and fair compensation for the harm they have endured. Let us, through this article, seek some knowledge on such cases.
Huge Win for a Personal Injury Plaintiff
A personal injury case against Ford Motor Company in Colorado Springs resulted in the largest civil verdict in the city’s history.
The federal jury issued the verdict on Wednesday, April 17, awarding $45 million in punitive damages to injured Lorelle Thompson. This surpasses the previous record of $33 million set in 2019.
The incident occurred in 2016, when Thompson exited her 1998 Ford Expedition mistakenly believing that the vehicle was in park.
The car went into reverse and ran over the lower portion of Thompson’s left leg. This happened due to a defect in the car’s shifting system. The injuries included two broken bones and significant muscle and nerve damage.
Evidence presented during the trial indicated that the injuries resulted from a ‘false park’ situation. This was meant to be a known issue dating back to 1980 that Ford Motor Company failed to address.
After a full week and two days of trial, the jury ruled against Ford, validating Thompson’s claim of a defective vehicle. Lead counsel expressed gratitude for the jury’s decision, highlighting their recognition of the obvious flaws in the vehicle.
Walking Upon the Legal Path
Such cases in the city alongside medical malpractice, and product liability cases can be fought by a Colorado Springs personal injury lawyer. As they have an understanding of the local legal system, they can help you build a strong case.
According to the Springs Law Group, they help you in gaining compensation against heavy medical bills of the present and future. Moreover, they also face the insurance companies which sometimes can be a task for certain people.
Now, you may wonder, how long would it take to claim personal injury compensation after filing a lawsuit. Well, it depends on what kind of personal injury it is. For instance:
- The average time for motor accident cases is 20 months.
- Tort lawsuits can last up to an average of 23 months.
- Around 24 months for medical malpractice cases.
- Premise liability too, can take around 24 months.
- Intentional tort cases take up the most, which is, 25 months.
After looking at how much time it takes, let us look at some compensation amounts that can be expected. The following are some general statistics of monetary compensation based on filed claims.
- In personal injury cases, settlements accounted for 67% of payouts or compensation.
- Of those who filed claims for unintentional injuries, around half, 57% were awarded between $3,000 and $25,000.
- Those who took the insurance company’s initial offer incurred a loss. In comparison, 70% of those who waited for a better bargain saw their payouts increase by $30,700.
- Payouts for individuals who get legal counsel for personal injuries are over three times more than those who do not.
- Only over 51% of those who do not have legal representation receive a settlement award. This is compared to approximately 91% of those who do with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit?
The time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations, varies depending on the jurisdiction and the type of case. It is crucial to consult with an attorney promptly to understand and meet the applicable deadlines.
How long does a personal injury case take to settle?
There are a number of variables that affect how quickly a personal injury lawsuit settles, including the case’s complexity, the parties’ willingness to negotiate, and the court’s timetable. While some instances can be resolved in a matter of months or even years, others might settle quite quickly.
What is the role of insurance companies in personal injury cases?
Insurance companies typically play a significant role in personal injury cases, as they often represent the party responsible for the injury. They may be responsible for providing compensation to the injured party through settlement negotiations or, if necessary, in court.
What if the responsible party does not have insurance or sufficient assets to pay damages?
In cases where the responsible party does not have insurance or sufficient assets, recovering compensation can be challenging. However, a skilled personal injury attorney can explore alternative options, such as pursuing a claim against your own insurance policy or identifying other potentially liable parties.
It is always recommended to consult with a qualified attorney to get personalized advice based on your specific circumstances.
Experienced attorneys specializing in personal injury law possess the knowledge, skills, and resources to navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your rights to secure fair compensation.
Also Read: Components of Personal Injury Law That Are Unique to Texas
