Jonesboro Personal Injury Lawyer
Experiencing a personal injury in Jonesboro can severely impact an individual’s life. If someone else’s actions or carelessness caused your injury, it is only fair that you receive compensation.
Despite the complexity of personal injury cases, our team can assist you in navigating the process, no matter the extent of your injuries. Our law firm is proud to represent clients in a wide variety of personal injury cases. You are entitled to compensation not just for financial losses but also for the emotional distress and physical pain that your injuries have caused.
For a free case review with our personal injury attorneys, contact us today at (479) 316-0438.
Lawsuits that Our Jonesboro Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You With
Personal injuries can happen to people in various accidents in Jonesboro. We want you to know that our firm is dedicated to helping you with any type of personal injury lawsuit you might be pursuing. Our experienced personal injury attorneys have a proven track record of representing clients successfully in a wide range of cases. These are the most frequent types of lawsuits our clients seek compensation for in Jonesboro:
Car Accident Lawsuits
At our firm, we specialize in handling personal injury cases related to car accidents that occur in Jonesboro, which can include accidents caused by distracted driving or rear-end collisions. The severity of injuries suffered by victims can range from minor to fatal, making it crucial to take legal action against the driver responsible in order to receive compensation. It is important to note that if multiple drivers were involved in causing the accident, each one could be held accountable for their respective portion of liability in a lawsuit.
Rideshare Accident Lawsuits
The popularity of ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft has grown in recent years. Regrettably, accidents involving these drivers have also increased. Obtaining compensation for these incidents can be difficult because of the classification of Uber and Lyft drivers as independent contractors. Thus, ride-sharing companies are typically not liable for accidents caused by their driver’s negligence. However, the insurance coverage provided by these companies typically offers substantial financial assistance to those injured while using their services, including both drivers and passengers.
Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits
Motorcycle accidents are quite frequent in Jonesboro and can result in severe and life-altering injuries despite the use of helmets. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to head trauma and spinal cord injuries. If you were partially responsible for your injuries, you might still be able to seek compensation for damages. However, the compensation you receive will be reduced in proportion to the percentage of fault that you are found to have contributed.
Medical Malpractice Lawsuits
If you have been a victim of medical malpractice, it can lead to severe consequences such as permanent disability or even death. Our firm can assist you in collecting evidence to pursue compensation for your injuries, even if the cases are complicated. There are instances where the victim might not realize they have been injured for years. In personal injury cases, there is a specific time limit for filing. However, if you only become aware of your injuries later, you might have more time to file a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Premises Liability Lawsuits
If you have been hurt because of unsafe conditions on another person’s property, you might be able to pursue a premises liability lawsuit. These lawsuits are typically brought when the owner or manager of the property fails to take reasonable steps to prevent accidents. Slip and fall accidents and dog attacks are common examples of incidents that can lead to premises liability claims. Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, there might be multiple parties who can be held accountable for your injuries. This can provide you with more options for seeking compensation.
Bus Accident Lawsuits
Bus accidents are also a common problem in Jonesboro, affecting both private and public operators who have a responsibility to ensure their passengers’ safety. When they fail to maintain their vehicles or act negligently, they can be sued for damages. However, if the bus company is owned by the municipal government in Jonesboro, there might be additional legal hurdles to overcome, such as providing advance notice of the intent to sue before initiating legal action.
Bicycle Accident Lawsuits
The prevalence of bicycle accidents has risen as more individuals choose cycling for transportation. These incidents can lead to substantial physical harm. Additionally, some drivers might strike a pedestrian and depart without providing assistance. However, we can examine your instance and work with nearby law enforcement authorities to locate the hit-and-run driver responsible for your injury.
Product Liability Lawsuits
There are instances where defective products can lead to injuries because of poor design or faulty materials. These can include car parts, children’s toys, and medications. If you happen to purchase a car with defective brakes and get into an accident, you can hold the manufacturer or designer responsible by filing a lawsuit. However, identifying the stage of the manufacturing process where the defect occurred can be difficult without legal assistance. In other cases, if the instructions provided with the product are inadequate or absent, you can initiate a product liability case.
What You Can Expect After Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Jonesboro
Filing a personal injury lawsuit in Jonesboro is an involved process that can take a considerable amount of time. However, with the right preparation and guidance, you can successfully navigate the legal system. To start, you should consult with our personal injury attorneys, who can help you understand your rights and the best options moving forward. With our help, you can feel confident that you are doing everything possible to secure the compensation you deserve. The following is what you can expect after you file a lawsuit in Jonesboro:
Initial Case Review
The first step towards seeking compensation is to schedule an initial case review with our team. This meeting is a crucial step in the legal process, as it gives your attorney an opportunity to assess the details of your case and determine whether you have a viable claim for damages.
During this meeting, you will be asked to provide a detailed account of the incident that led to your injuries. You should be honest and thorough in your description, as this information will help your attorney understand the circumstances surrounding your injuries and determine the best legal strategy for your case.
In addition to discussing the details of the incident, you will also need to provide information about the extent of your injuries and any medical treatment you have received. Your attorney will need to know the nature and severity of your injuries in order to determine the appropriate amount of compensation to seek on your behalf.
After reviewing all of the information you provide, your attorney will evaluate the merits of your case and advise you on the best course of action. This might include negotiating a settlement with the responsible party or filing a lawsuit in court.
Evidence Collection
After consulting with your attorney and determining the validity of your case, the next crucial step is to collect evidence. The evidence gathered during this phase will play a crucial role in supporting your claim and establishing the other party’s liability. The types of evidence that might be collected can include medical records, photographs of the accident scene or your injuries, witness statements, and any relevant documents such as police reports or insurance records.
Your attorney will guide you through this process and might hire experts or investigators to ensure that all pertinent evidence is collected. This might involve interviewing witnesses, conducting site visits, reviewing medical records, and gathering additional documentation to support your case. By thoroughly and comprehensively collecting evidence, you can build a strong case and increase your chances of a favorable outcome in court. It is important to work closely with your attorney during this phase to ensure that all necessary information is gathered.
Drafting the Complaint and Filing it with the Correct Court
Once we have gathered all the necessary evidence to support your case, we will start drafting a complaint. This document is an official legal filing that initiates a lawsuit and outlines your claims against the defendant. In the complaint, your attorney will explain why the defendant is liable for the injuries you have suffered and state what compensation you are seeking.
After the complaint is drafted, it must be filed with the appropriate court that has jurisdiction over your case. In Jonesboro, the Clayton County State Court is typically the appropriate court for cases with claims under $15,000, while the Clayton County Superior Court is the appropriate court for larger claims.
Once the complaint is filed, it must be served to the defendant, which is typically done by a process server or by certified mail. The defendant then has a specific period of time to respond to the complaint. During this time, the defendant might file a motion to dismiss the case, file an answer to the complaint, or seek to negotiate a settlement with your attorney.
The Discovery Phase
During the discovery phase of a legal case, both parties have the opportunity to exchange relevant information. This exchange typically involves a series of formal procedures, such as the submission of interrogatories or written questions that must be answered under oath, depositions or oral testimony given under oath, and requests for documents.
Through these processes, both sides can gather facts, understand the other party’s arguments, and prepare for trial. Interrogatories are typically used to obtain specific information from the opposing party, while depositions allow for more in-depth questioning under the supervision of a court reporter.
Requests for documents might include things like contracts, invoices, and emails that are relevant to the case. Overall, the discovery phase is a crucial part of the process that helps to ensure that both sides have a chance to evaluate the same evidence.
Insurance Negotiations
Throughout your lawsuit, your attorney will likely engage in negotiations with the defendant’s insurance company. These negotiations aim to reach a settlement that provides you with fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Your attorney will work on your behalf to ensure that the settlement agreement is in your best interest. These negotiations can be quite complex and might take some time to complete. Even after extensive negotiations, there is no guarantee that a suitable settlement will be reached. In such cases, your attorney might advise you to proceed with the lawsuit, and a judge or jury will determine the outcome of your case. However, the negotiation period usually does not truly close until the trial starts. In some cases, satisfactory settlements are made just before the parties walk into the courtroom.
Settlement or Trial
If a fair settlement is reached during negotiations, the case will be resolved without going to trial. You will receive the agreed-upon compensation, and the case will be closed.
However, if a settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial. During the trial, both sides will present their evidence and arguments, and a judge or jury will decide the outcome. If you win, the court will award damages based on factors such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Damages You Could Claim in a Jonesboro Personal Injury Lawsuit
After successfully winning a lawsuit, the plaintiff is granted a form of payment that reflects the severity of their injuries. This type of compensation, legally referred to as “damages,” typically takes into account both economic and non-economic losses. Determining economic damages can be done through financial calculations, but non-economic damages rely on one’s personal experiences and can be challenging to calculate without prior knowledge.
Economic Damages
After experiencing a personal injury, the economic losses are determined by evaluating the victim’s financial damages. This comprises medical bills and any missed income or career opportunities as a result of the injury. It is also possible to request compensation for property damage and expenses paid out-of-pocket, so keep all relevant receipts, invoices, and estimates pertaining to the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
When determining compensation for personal injury, the amount of pain and suffering experienced by the victim is considered. This type of compensation is designed to address the emotional and personal effects of an injury, such as ongoing physical pain or disfigurement, which can affect the victim’s relationships and overall well-being. Additionally, pain and suffering damages might also be sought for mental anguish, anxiety, and depression resulting from the injury.
Our Jonesboro Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help
Call us at (479) 316-0438 to receive your free case assessment with our personal injury lawyers.