How the Legal Process Works

- February 14, 2007 - While most people are intimidated by the legal system, filing a personal injury lawsuit is a relatively straightforward process, especially when you have a qualified attorney on your side.

The law firm of Hull & Zimmerman - a well-established firm based in Arvada, Colorado - has released the following guidelines regarding what a personal injury claim entails.

1) Filing a Complaint or Petition

This is the initial notification, from you and your attorney, to the party responsible for your injury.

2) Discovery

After the defendant is aware that a claim has been filed, both parties then enter into a time period called "discovery." During this "discovery phase" witnesses are interviewed, written testimony is recorded, documents are obtained and, generally, all the facts are gathered.

3) Setting a trial date

After everything is properly prepared, a trial date is set by a judge.

4) Settlement or other pre-trial resolution is offered

Most personal injury cases don"t actually go to trial. Rather, once all the facts have been gathered, most defendants offer a financial settlement - especially if they believe they"ll lose the case. This avoids the lengthy, even-more-costly trial process.

5) Trial

If a case does go to trial, you want an attorney who has a proven, successful record in court.

With a qualified attorney on your side, there is no reason to be intimidated by the legal system. Information is key.

14.02.2007 - 11:36 Source: 24-7pressrelease.com | Read: 679 X