If you've been injured in an accident that wasn't your fault, you may be wondering if your injury warrants a lawsuit. Getting injured can be frustrating, painful, and expensive. While no amount of money can undo the trauma you've experienced, filing a lawsuit against the responsible party can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and other costs that pile up after an accident. Here are some tips from injury attorneys to help you determine if your injury may be worth a lawsuit.

Assessing Your Damages

Before deciding to pursue a lawsuit for your injury, take stock of what you’ve lost. Document all accident-related damages like medical expenses, property damage, lost income, and pain and suffering. An attorney can help calculate the present and future costs related to your injury. Things like undergoing surgery, physical therapy, prescription medications, counseling services, medical equipment, modifying your home or vehicle for accessibility, and being unable to work all carry real financial burdens. If your total losses are significant, a lawsuit may be worthwhile.

Building Your Case

In addition to tallying your total damages, injury attorneys will investigate your accident to establish negligence and liability. Police reports, medical records, witness statements, expert testimonies, photographic evidence from the scene, video surveillance footage, and more all come into play. An experienced lawyer will compile compelling evidence showing exactly how the at-fault party caused your accident and failed to uphold their duty of care. Demonstrating negligence greatly strengthens your chance of recouping damages.

Deciding to Take Legal Action

Once you have a clear understanding of your losses and prospects for building a strong lawsuit, you can thoughtfully weigh the pros and cons of moving forward with a case. Consider things like the time commitment, emotional impact, likelihood of settlement vs trial, attorney costs and contingency fees, and whether the liable party has sufficient insurance or assets to cover your damages if you win. Thoroughly discussing concerns and expectations with your lawyer allows you to make an informed choice that works for your unique situation.

Though nobody asks for the hardship and headache of being injured in an accident, seeking compensation through a lawsuit can significantly ease financial pressures. According to On The Map, there are 39.5 million personal injury cases requiring medical treatment in the United States every year, which is roughly 126.3 cases per 1000. Partnering with trusted injury attorneys helps the legal process feel more manageable as you focus on healing. Call Jelliffe, Doerge & Phelps if you've been injured to schedule a free consultation.