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What to Expect During a Personal Injury Trial
If you’ve been in a personal injury accident because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to some kind of compensation. If your personal injury claim has progressed to the courtroom, you might be apprehensive about what to expect. Legal processes and trial proceedings can feel complicated and overwhelming, but knowing what to expect can give you confidence in your case and your personal injury attorney.
Individuals file nearly 400,000 personal injury claims each year, and about 1 in 20 of those make their way to the trial stage, where a jury determines any damage compensation. Bowman Law is prepared to help you through your entire personal injury process, from the beginning stages of filing a claim to recouping damages with a resolution (whether through a settlement or court case). The information below offers a sense of what to expect during the trial phase so you can be prepared for the courtroom.
What Is a Personal Injury Claim?
Suffering an accident can result in catastrophic injuries or worse. If you’ve been a victim of a personal injury, filing a claim is critical to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve and the appropriate parties are held responsible for damages and negligence. However, personal injury claims vary in type and complexity, so understanding their purpose and timeline is crucial.
Liability and damages are the two foundational elements of any personal injury claim. While these claims typically involve physical injuries, they can also encompass emotional and psychological harm. Personal injury attorneys aim to recover damages to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other related costs so you can recover and move forward. The most common types of personal injury claims include: motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, medical malpractice, and slip and fall accidents – but many others exist.
Don’t let common myths about personal injury cases keep you from seeking justice. When considering a personal injury claim, consider these truths:
- You don’t need to have sustained a catastrophic injury to file a claim
- Most cases don’t go to court and can be settled pre-trial
- Time is of the essence, and you should file a personal injury claim sooner rather than later under Colorado law
- If you think you may share some responsibility for your accident, do not let that deter you from contacting an accident lawyer, as you still may be able to recover damages
- Hiring a personal injury attorney is your best path to justice
Read More: Not Sure How to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney? Start Here
Personal Injury Trial Process: Step-by-Step Breakdown
If your case doesn’t settle, it may progress to a personal injury lawsuit trial. There’s no need to panic—Bowman Law is ready to fight for your rights. If the responsible party does not offer a fair settlement, we are ready to expertly prepare your case for trial with the attention and detail it deserves so you have the best chance at getting justice. We’ll be there with you every step of the way throughout the trial, which includes:
- Jury Selection: The first step in any trial is selecting an unbiased jury that can absorb evidence presented and reach a fair verdict. The jury selection process differs from case to case, but having a group of jurors eager to hear your case is critical.
- Opening Statements: Next comes the opening statements, where each attorney summarizes their case and outlines how they will prove their claim. The plaintiff, or the party initiating the lawsuit, goes first so they can present the burden of proof.
- Case Presentation and Testimony: Next, the plaintiff’s attorney has a chance to tell their story through various testimonies, connect with the jury, and have their voice heard. Then, the defense presents its testimony to defend its case against the plaintiff’s. Our highly-rated lawyers are experts at helping a jury consider your case with empathy and compassion.
- Closing Statements: Then, each attorney wraps up their cases and recaps the information presented to the jury to remind them what each lawyer has proven.
- Verdict: After the jury deliberates on the information presented, they reach a verdict that outlines what damage compensation, if any, is owed.
Read More: Understanding Settlement Versus Trial for Personal Injury Cases
Why Your Personal Injury Lawyer Matters
Suffering a personal injury is stressful enough; you don’t want an inexperienced or unkind lawyer who cannot persuade a jury effectively. Our personal injury lawyers are both experienced and understanding, meaning we’re eager to support you in whatever legal situation you’re in.
Who you choose to guide you through the steps of a personal injury case matters. If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to seek guidance. We are fully committed to your justice and recovery and are ready to help. Call us at 720-863-6904 or send us a message to schedule a free case evaluation.
Jerry Bowman
Owner and Managing Attorney
Jerry Bowman, J.D., M.A., Owner and managing attorney of Bowman Law LLC, takes his responsibility to the legal profession seriously and dedicates his time and effort to providing quality and competent legal representation to clients in Denver and throughout all of Colorado. He holds an MA in Political Science from Wayne State University and earned his law degree in two and a half years from Michigan State University College of Law.
