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The personal injury process can feel unfamiliar and overwhelming. Knowing what compensation may be available and how a claim moves from investigation to settlement or trial helps you make informed decisions.
These plain-language guides explain common types of damages, insurance coverage, the claim process and key legal concepts. They are general information, not legal advice for your situation.
Case Types We Handle
Our Compensation and Claims practice includes 17 case types. Select one to learn more.
- Medical Bills and Future Medical ExpensesMedical expenses include past treatment costs and the projected cost of future care related to the injury.
- Lost WagesLost wages compensate for income missed while recovering from an injury.
- Loss of Earning CapacityLoss of earning capacity compensates for reduced ability to earn income in the future.
- Pain and SufferingPain and suffering damages compensate for physical pain and emotional distress caused by an injury.
- Emotional Distress DamagesEmotional distress damages address anxiety, depression and other psychological effects of an injury.
- Permanent Disability DamagesPermanent disability damages address lifelong limitations caused by an injury.
- Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care CostsRehabilitation and long-term care costs include therapy, assistance and facility care needed after an injury.
- Wrongful Death DamagesWrongful death damages compensate family members for financial and personal losses after a death.
- Loss of ConsortiumLoss of consortium compensates a spouse or family member for loss of companionship and support, where recognized.
- Punitive DamagesPunitive damages are awarded in limited cases to punish especially reckless or intentional misconduct, where allowed.
- Insurance Settlement NegotiationsInsurance settlement negotiations involve presenting evidence of your losses and negotiating a fair resolution.
- Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist CoverageUninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects you when the at-fault driver has no or too little insurance.
- Personal Injury Settlement ProcessThe settlement process typically involves investigation, treatment, a demand, negotiation and resolution.
- Filing a Personal Injury LawsuitFiling a lawsuit begins formal litigation, including discovery, motions and possibly trial.
- Statutes of Limitations by StateStatutes of limitations set deadlines for filing injury lawsuits and vary by state and claim type.
- Comparative and Contributory NegligenceComparative and contributory negligence rules determine how shared fault affects your recovery.
- Liens and SubrogationLiens and subrogation give insurers and other payers rights to reimbursement from an injury recovery.
How a Personal Injury Claim Typically Progresses
- Investigation and evidence gathering
- Medical treatment and documentation
- Insurance claim and demand
- Negotiation
- Lawsuit and discovery if necessary
- Settlement or trial
Types of Compensation
- Economic damages such as medical bills and lost wages
- Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering
- Future losses
- Punitive damages in limited cases
- Wrongful death damages
Damages Rules Vary by State
States differ on how fault is shared, what damages are recoverable, whether caps apply and how long you have to file. Understanding these rules early helps protect the value of your claim.
Why Acting Early Matters
Every state sets deadlines for filing injury claims, and claims involving government entities can require formal notice within a much shorter time. Video footage, records and physical evidence can be lost quickly. Speaking with an attorney early protects your options.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
We investigate what happened, deal with the insurance companies, document the full extent of your losses and pursue a fair settlement — and we are prepared to go to court when an insurer will not be reasonable. Personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis: you pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you. Consultations are free and confidential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a personal injury settlement calculated?
By evaluating medical costs, lost income, future needs, pain and suffering and the strength of the evidence, along with available insurance.
How long does a personal injury case take?
Some cases resolve in months; others take longer, especially if a lawsuit is necessary.
Will my case go to trial?
Most personal injury cases settle, but preparing for trial often leads to better settlement outcomes.
What does contingency fee mean?
You pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you; the fee is a percentage of the recovery.
Do I have to pay my health insurer back?
Health insurers and other payers may have liens or reimbursement rights. We address these as part of resolving the case.
This page provides general information, not legal advice. Laws differ from state to state, and every case depends on its own facts. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.