Client meeting: The process begins with an initial consultation where the spinal injury lawyer meets with the injured individual and his or her family whether in person, by Zoom meeting or over the phone. This initial meeting allows the lawyer to understand the circumstances of the injury, gather essential information and assess the viability of the case. Every case is different, and it’s vital to have a legal professional analyze and assess your case at this stage before proceeding.

Case evaluation: The lawyer will conduct an in-depth assessment of the case, including the severity of the injury, liability factors, names of witnesses, available evidence and potential damages and losses. This evaluation helps determine the strength of the case and the appropriate legal strategies which can follow.

Defendant identification: The lawyer will identify all potentially responsible parties, which may include individuals, companies, corporations or government entities. This step is crucial in determining who should be held accountable for the injury.

Filing deadlines: Lawyers will pay close attention to the statute of limitations regarding an injury in that particular state, as well as filing deadlines, to ensure that the lawsuit is filed within the legally prescribed time frame. In a few states, the filing deadline or statute of limitations is as short as one year, and in other states two to five years.

The deadline must be researched and known immediately. This is why it is so important to consult with an injury attorney as soon after the accident as possible. A lawsuit cannot be filed if a certain amount of time has passed between the date of the injury and the date of attempting to file a claim.

Drafting the complaint: The lawyer drafts a formal complaint or personal injury lawsuit outlining the allegations, injuries and damages. The filing of this document initiates the lawsuit process.

Service of process: The complaint is then served to the defendant or defendants, who then have a specified period in which they must respond or answer the lawsuit.

Pretrial settlement discussions: Lawyers will engage in negotiations with the opposing party to explore the possibility of having a mediation (similar to arbitration) in hopes of settling out of court before a trial. Settlement offers may be exchanged, negotiated and rejected.

Trial proceedings: If there is no settlement out of court before trial,  then the trial will begin, and both sides will present their case in court. The spinal cord injury lawyer will advocate for the injured party, present evidence and cross-examine witnesses.

Verdict: At the trial’s conclusion, the judge or jury will deliver a verdict by determining whether the defendant is liable and, if so, the amount of damages to be awarded.

Throughout the entire process, effective communication between the injury lawyer and the injured party is essential. The lawyer will keep the client informed about case developments, advise the client on decisions to be made, and provide support during what can be a challenging time. Handling a spinal cord injury lawsuit against a negligent defendant or big corporation is a complex and demanding process that requires legal expertise and dedication. By following these day-to-day steps, experienced personal injury lawyers can aim to secure justice and compensation for the injured party and their family.