Personal Injury FAQ
If you have suffered an injury caused by a negligent party in Plano, Texas, you may have many questions about how to recover financial compensation. Our legal team at the Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC, are committed to providing as much relevant information to your case as possible and guiding you through the legal process to obtain the monetary damages and justice you deserve.
What Is A Personal Injury?
A personal injury is defined as a physical or mental injury sustained by an individual as a result of another party’s negligent, careless, or reckless actions. Common types of accidents that involve personal injury include car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, slip-and-fall accidents, construction accidents, dog bites and wrongful death.
How Do I Know If I Have A Personal Injury Claim?
There are four basic elements to every personal injury lawsuit: (1) the at-fault (liable) party owes you a duty of care, (2) the at-fault party breached that duty of care, (3) the at-fault party’s breach caused your injury, and (4) you suffered actual damages as a result of your injury.
When Do I Need To File A Personal Injury Lawsuit?
In Texas, you have two years for the date of the accident/injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in the state’s civil court system. However, if you plan on filing a lawsuit against the government, the claim must be filed within six months.
How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
How much your personal injury case is worth depends on the type of case and the damages you sustained. There are two types of damages: economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages compensate you financially for tangible losses as a result of your injury. Common examples of economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, and property damages. By contrast, noneconomic damages compensate you for intangible losses. Common examples include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment in life. Additionally, if the at-fault party’s actions were grossly negligent or reckless, you may be eligible for punitive damages that are designed to punish the liable party.
How Long Does A Personal Injury Lawsuit Take Until I Receive My Settlement/Award?
While some cases can take only a few weeks, others may take a year or more, especially if your case ends up in court.
Should I Speak With The At-Fault Party’s Insurer?
It is not in your best interest to communicate with the at-fault party’s insurance company or sign any documents they offer you unless you initially consult with an attorney. The goal of the insurer is to pay you the least amount possible.
Do I Need To Hire A Lawyer?
Although you may go through the legal process without a lawyer, having one by your side is in your best interests. Your lawyer can help you determine how much your case is worth and protect you from receiving a low-ball settlement from the at-fault party or their insurance company. Through direct negotiations and court litigation—if it comes to that—your lawyer will do whatever it takes to get the most favorable outcome in your case.
How Much Does Hiring A Lawyer Cost?
Most law firms, including the Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC, operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t have to pay upfront costs or anything throughout the legal process until you obtain a verdict or settlement. And if for some reason a lawyer can’t get recover your entitled compensation, you don’t owe him/her anything.
To learn about the legal services our Plano personal injury attorney has to offer, contact us today at 888-4-ZEN-LAW and schedule a consultation.