If you live in Mulberry, Florida and have suffered an injury because of someone else’s negligence, you may be looking for guidance on filing a personal injury lawsuit. Though the process can look stressful and complicated, familiarizing yourself with the necessary steps can give you more clarity and reassurance. Below, this personal injury lawyer in Mulberry, Florida is going to explain how you can start your personal injury claim in the Sunshine State.
But first…a brief overview
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), there are more than 227,000 preventable deaths and 63 million injuries in the US every year. That’s why personal injury laws exist– to make sure victims get the help and protection they need. In other words, if you or a loved one has been injured in an accident because someone else was not careful enough, Florida’s personal injury laws can help you get compensation for your suffering and losses.
With that in mind, here’s how you can file a personal injury lawsuit in Mulberry, Florida:
Step 1 – File the complaint
The first thing you need to do to start your personal injury lawsuit in Florida is to file a Complaint to the court clerk’s office at the location of the accident. This document is very important because it explains exactly how the accident happened, how bad your injuries are, and what you are asking for in damages.
Step 2 – Serve the defendant
After filing your Complaint, you need to notify the defendant about the lawsuit by serving them — this is called “service of process.” The court will give you a Summons that you must serve to the defendant with a copy of the Complaint and instructions on how to respond. Through proper service, the defendant becomes aware of the legal action and has the option to respond.
Step 3 – Pre-trial proceedings
The defendant will typically respond to the accusations made against them by filing an Answer, denying your claims, and requesting the court not to award damages. This response sets the stage for pre-trial proceedings, which can include many steps — including court appearances for updates, motions filed by each party, written discovery through interrogatories and document requests, and oral discovery through depositions of all parties and witnesses involved in the case. These preliminary actions are crucial for building your case as they allow both sides to gather evidence and prepare for a potential trial.
Step 4 – Heading to trial
If your case does not settle during the pre-trial proceedings, it will go to trial, where both parties will present their evidence and arguments– and the judge or jury will then make a decision based on the presented facts. Trials can be complicated and take a while, so you should definitely work with a skilled personal injury lawyer in Mulberry, Florida.
The importance of hiring a personal injury lawyer cannot be overstated
It can be very difficult to handle a personal injury case on your own. But having a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer in Mulberry, Florida by your side can make it so much easier.
Your lawyer will help you understand your rights as a victim, gather all the evidence, and advocate on your behalf throughout the process. Experienced lawyers can also handle negotiations with the other side to reach a fair settlement before going to court.
Looking for a Personal Injury Lawyer in Mulberry, Florida?
Are you thinking about filing a personal injury claim? Ready to partner with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Mulberry, Florida who can guide you through the process? If so, look no further than Tonya Stewart and her legal team at Tonya Stewart Law PA. Contact us today at (863) 279-4473 to schedule a free consultation.