Have you recently been injured in an accident? You might be thinking about filing a suit to get compensation. Here are a few things you should think about first, and why you should work with a personal injury attorney in Cheyenne, WY.
Ask a Personal Injury Attorney in Cheyenne, WY: 7 Things to Consider Before Filing a Suit
1. Hiring a Lawyer
The most important thing to do before you file a lawsuit is who you are going to hire as your lawyer. If you want to give your suit the best possible chance, you need to make sure you are working with a qualified lawyer.
Some people may choose to try and save money on their suits by representing themselves, but this is rarely a good idea. You don’t have the same kind of training that a lawyer does. Your lawyer will know what strategies to use and will ensure your rights are respected.
2. The Cost of the Lawsuit
It’s difficult to say right off the bat how much your lawsuit is going to cost. Your lawyer may be able to give you a rough estimate, but remember that it’s exactly that—and estimate. There are many factors, including unexpected ones, that will go into how much your lawsuit costs.
Sometimes, however, it may be clear up front that a lawsuit is going to cost more than it’s worth. In cases like these, your lawyer can help you find alternative options that are less costly.
3. Your Chance of Winning
Much like the cost of a lawsuit, it may be difficult in some cases to determine what your chances of winning are. When you consult with your lawyer, they’ll take a look at your case and help you determine what your chances of winning it actually are.
Many things will go into your likelihood of winning a lawsuit. Unfortunately, simply knowing that you’re in the right isn’t going to be enough. You’re also going to need things like evidence and witness testimony to prove that a personal injury did happen and that it’s affected you negatively.
4. What Evidence You Have
If you are making a claim that you received a personal injury due to another party’s negligence or actions, the burden of proof falls upon you. That means that it’s your job to gather evidence and prove to the court that this is indeed the case.
When you work with a personal injury attorney Cheyenne WY, they will help you understand what evidence you need to gather and ensure that it’s gathered efficiently. Evidence that can help support your case includes photo and video evidence, medical bills proving the injury, and pay stubs indicating a decrease in pay because of the injury.
5. If You Have Witnesses
Physical evidence can go a long way when it comes to winning a lawsuit. However, there are other types of evidence that you should consider gathering. One of them is witness testimony. If there were any witnesses to your accident, you should make sure to get their contact information and statements from them right away.
In some situations, especially in cases of medical malpractice, expert witnesses can help prove the guilt of the other party. Your lawyer will have access to these expert witnesses and can call on them to support your case.
6. Where the Lawsuit Gets Filed
You will need to properly file your lawsuit if you want to make sure that it doesn’t get thrown out. Several factors go into where your lawsuit should be filed. Your lawyer will help ensure that it’s all done properly.
Some things that need to be taken into account include where the accident took place as well as where the other party resides. Unfortunately, it can be hard to keep track of everything when you’re also dealing with an injury. Your lawyer can help keep it all organized.
7. What You’re Hoping to Get from the Lawsuit
One of the biggest factors to consider before filing a suit is what you’re hoping to get out of your suit. There are several possible types of relief that you can get from your lawsuit, and it’s important to take them all into account.
For instance, you might simply be looking for money to cover the expenses of your injury. Another example would be looking for the other party to change in some manner so this type of thing doesn’t happen again. You can speak to your lawyer about your goals and how likely you are to reach them.
If you have been thinking about filing a lawsuit because you experienced a personal injury, it’s important to take all the above factors into account. Also, remember to work with a qualified lawyer. Your lawyer will make sure your rights are respected and give your suit the best chance at winning.
