Call Us atProving how a person’s negligence caused your accident can seem daunting if you try to do it yourself. Instead, you can fight back and seek compensation with the help of qualified legal counsel. A knowledgeable attorney knows how to investigate the claim properly and prove negligence in the right situation. You might be entitled to monetary compensation like medical costs, future medical care, lost income, loss of future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more.
A highly skilled Woodinville personal injury lawyer knows what it takes to pursue your case to the fullest extent. Let our qualified team take a look at the facts and help you understand your particular rights.
Proving Negligence in a Personal Injury Case
In order to win a damages award in a Woodinville personal injury case, the plaintiff and their attorney must prove the other party was negligent. Negligence is a legal concept that requires the injured party to prove a few key facts of the accident, including:
- That the accountable party breached their reasonable duty of care toward the injured person
- That the breach caused the plaintiff’s injuries
- The injuries led to compensable damages
Proving all of these essential elements is key to winning a lawsuit. A person without any legal experience would struggle to present this information, which is why it is recommended they retain a lawyer to assist them.
Investigating Negligence in Woodinville
To prove negligence requires investigating the facts of the case. An in-depth investigation may reveal the critical information needed to demonstrate how the other party was liable for what happened. To investigate the case, a Woodinville accident attorney could, among other things:
- Speak to witnesses who observed the accident
- Review video or audio recordings related to the accident
- Review insurance information and damage reports
- Analyze law enforcement narratives, traffic citations, and other official documents
- Investigate the extent of medical and property damages the injured person suffered
- Hire investigators and experts to assist in evaluating the case
- Perform legal research related to the case
The information gathered from these investigations can be used to prove liability and negligence, thus leading to a successful outcome. It takes an attorney who truly understands personal injury law to handle these cases. A dedicated Woodinville personal injury attorney could take care of the legal aspects of the case while the plaintiff recovers and spends time with family.
Monetary Damages in a Personal Injury Claim
Monetary damages come in two primary categories: economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those that can be assigned a particular dollar value based on objective criteria and documentary evidence. These would include medical bills, future medical care needs, property damages, lost income, future earning capacity losses, and other forms of compensation with a tangible and calculable loss to the injured person.
Non-economic damages cannot be assigned a particular number with documentary evidence in most cases. Instead, these damages are awarded for what the injured person has been through emotionally and socially. This might include loss of consortium, loss of quality time with family and loved ones, pain and suffering that occurs in the course of their daily activities, loss of employment of life, and wrongful death damages to provide support to the family.
Time Limitations for Filing a Claim
Washington state law provides for a three-year limitations period to file a personal injury claim. This means the case must be filed within three years of the date of the accident or the case could be dismissed. Filing late could mean the injured person loses their opportunity to win financial compensation. They may avoid this potential loss by approaching an attorney quickly after the accident.
Work with a Woodinville Personal Injury Attorney
Personal injury cases are complex and require an in-depth knowledge of the law. There are specific filing deadlines, evidentiary requirements, and procedural rules to navigate at every step, which can be difficult to navigate if you are not a lawyer. Instead of trying to do this alone, let an experienced team of attorneys be your guide during this difficult process. A Woodinville personal injury lawyer is ready to consult on your case, so give us a call and schedule a consultation.
