How Will My Claim Be Processed?
If the person who caused your injury has insurance, an insurance adjuster will gather the pertinent records including medical records, medical bills, wage loss verification and the like in an effort to verify your damages. The insurance company may make you an offer to settle the claim. You may find the offer acceptable and once you accept it, the claim process is over. If you do not receive an acceptable offer, you can proceed with filing a lawsuit.
You should be sure not to sign any documents without prior review by an attorney. You need to attend all scheduled doctor appointments in order to document your injuries. Accurate records should be kept of time you missed from work, medical bills, and property damage repairs. You can document your damages with photographs of your injuries or photos of property damage.
After a lawsuit has been filed, both parties will conduct discovery. Pretrial discovery usually takes about a full year during which time both parties investigate all aspects of the claim. This may include taking oral depositions, obtaining pertinent records, propounding interrogatories, and hiring expert witnesses to obtain more evidence about the claim. During this period of discovery and as the trial date approaches, the parties will exchange settlement offers/demands. A large majority of personal injury claims settle before trial.
Other Wisconsin Personal Injury FAQs
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Q:
I Was Injured In An Accident. What Can I Do Now?
A: You can make a claim against another person or business and their insurance company if someone else is more at fault for your injury than you are. Wisconsin is a … More -
Q:
How Will I Cover My Costs?
A: If you were injured in an automobile accident, your automobile insurance policy should include a certain amount of coverage for your medical expenses. This coverage … More -
Q:
How Do I Decide If I Need To Hire An Attorney?
A: There are situations where an attorney is unnecessary, such as very small cases. Small claims court will handle claims up to $5000. If your injury is a minor one that … More -
Q:
How Long Do I Have To Hire An Attorney?
A: The law requires that you file a lawsuit within a specified period of time depending on the nature of the claim and the entity that caused your injury. This is … More -
Q:
How Can I Determine How Much My Claim Is Worth?
A: To determine the value of your claim, you need to look at your damages. That would include your actual damages such as medical expenses and wage loss. You are also … More
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What Happens if You Don't Answer a Lawsuit?
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