In Nevada, personal injury law exists to help individuals who have been harmed due to the negligence or wrongful actions of others. These cases arise from a wide variety of incidents, such as car accidents, dog bites, boating mishaps, amusement park accidents, and even fatalities caused by drunk or distracted driving. The law cannot undo the physical or emotional harm done, but it can help the victims recover financial compensation to help their healing process and ease the burden of recovery.

Meeting With a Personal Injury Lawyer

Your journey typically begins with an initial consultation. Our team at Shook & Stone offers this consultation free of charge. During this conversation, you’ll have the opportunity to explain what happened, discuss your injuries, and share any evidence you’ve already collected, such as photos, police reports, or medical records. Your Lawyer will evaluate whether you have a valid legal claim. They’ll walk you through your options and help you understand what to expect if you decide to move forward.

Building the Case

Once you choose to move forward, your lawyer and their legal team will begin a thorough investigation. This involves gathering medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and in some cases, expert testimony. A major benefit during this phase is that your lawyer will take over communications with insurance companies. This helps protect you from being pressured into a lowball offer or making a statement that could hurt your case.

Focusing on Medical Treatment

As your legal team works behind the scenes, your job is to focus on your recovery. It’s critical that you follow through with all prescribed medical treatments and document everything: doctor visits, prescriptions, physical therapy, and how the injury affects your day-to-day life.

The Demand and Negotiation Phase

Once your condition has stabilized, your lawyer will typically send a formal demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company. This letter outlines the facts of the case, the extent of your injuries, the total damages, and the amount of compensation you’re seeking. Often, the insurance company will respond with a counteroffer. Your lawyer will fight on your behalf to reach a settlement that fairly compensates you for your medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any future treatment you may need.

Settling the Case

The vast majority of personal injury claims in Nevada are resolved through settlement before ever reaching a courtroom. If you and the insurance company can come to an agreement, you’ll receive your compensation, typically within a few weeks.

Filing a Lawsuit, If Needed

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit. This kicks off the formal litigation process. Both sides will exchange evidence, take depositions, file motions, and prepare for trial. Even during this stage, settlement is still possible, and often happens before the trial begins.

Going to Trial

Although trials are less common, they do occur, particularly in high-stakes cases or when the parties strongly disagree on liability or damages. If your case goes to trial, a judge or jury will hear the facts and decide the outcome. Your lawyer will be there every step of the way to present your case, cross-examine witnesses, and advocate for the compensation you deserve.

Receiving Your Compensation

Once your case is resolved, either by settlement or trial, the final step is receiving your payout. After legal fees and case-related expenses are deducted, the remaining compensation will be given to you. The processing time can vary, but your legal team will guide you through this final step and ensure everything is handled correctly.

Tips to Strengthen Your Case

As you move through this process, it’s essential to keep all documents related to your injury, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, and avoid speaking to insurance companies without legal advice. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask questions; your lawyer is there to help you understand your rights and options.

Navigating a personal injury case can be stressful, especially when you’re also trying to heal. However, understanding the process can empower you to make informed decisions and take control of your situation. With the support of an experienced Nevada personal injury lawyer, like our dedicated team at Shook & Stone, you can focus on your recovery while professionals handle the legal details. Shook & Stone has a proven track record of successfully representing injury victims across Nevada. If you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, contact us today for a free consultation. You don’t have to go through this alone.