There are over 55.4 million injuries in the US annually, and some of these injuries result from another party’s negligence. You could be entitled to a personal injury lawsuit if you have experienced physical injury, psychological injury, or property damage due to another party. But how do you file a lawsuit?
A personal injury lawsuit may seem simple to begin with, but once you get into the process, it can quickly become overwhelming without guidance. Follow this guide to learn how to file a personal injury lawsuit in Houston, Texas.
1. Consider Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
After seeking medical assistance, the next step is to consider hiring a personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer has the expertise to help guide you throughout the lawsuit, even if it goes to trial. They know how to file a lawsuit and fight for your case with the best chance of a successful outcome.
Not all personal injury lawyers offer the same skills or services. Take the time to find a reputable personal injury attorney who can provide solid legal representation.
2. Gather Evidence
When preparing for a personal injury lawsuit, you want to build a strong case to help with negotiations. This includes collecting medical records, invoices for damages, estimations of ongoing costs, and other evidence that will support your case, such as witness statements. You need to evaluate your claim’s value to ensure you do not settle for less than you deserve or set unrealistic expectations.
3. Prepare for Negotiations
Around 95% of personal injury lawsuits get settled outside of court. This involves negotiating with other parties, usually through insurance companies. You must prepare for these negotiations to ensure you do not say or do anything that may mean you get less compensation than you deserve.
If you hire a personal injury attorney, they will manage these communications for you.
4. File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you cannot reach a personal injury settlement outside of court, it is time to file a lawsuit to get the compensation you deserve. It is essential to be aware of the statute of limitations in your state, so you do not miss the deadline to file your case.
You start by filing your complaint at your local state’s civil court, with the complaint being the formal legal document that gives a factual basis for why you are pursuing a lawsuit. In Houston, you must also notify the other party that you are filing a lawsuit.
Hire a Reputable Houston Lawyer
You can follow these steps to file a personal injury lawsuit in Houston, Texas. Hopefully, your case can be settled outside of court. However, it is also important to prepare for the possibility of a trial.
The best way to file a lawsuit in Houston, Texas, is to hire a reputable Houston attorney to help you. They have the expertise to build a solid case and help you get the compensation you need with your personal injury lawsuit.
McDonald Worley is an award-winning law firm with our main office in Houston, Texas. Contact us today for a free personal injury case review.