Bellingham Personal Injury Lawyer

A personal injury case is a civil claim or lawsuit an injured individual files when facing unexpected expenses, losses, and pain and suffering. If the person can demonstrate that another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions violated a duty of care owed to them, they may be able to recover damages to assist in covering medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

When you or someone you know is injured, after receiving medical care, contact a Bellingham personal injury lawyer. Our seasoned attorneys, with their extensive experience and knowledge, could discuss your case with you and help you develop a solid strategy to pursue fair compensation.

Understanding Personal Injury Law

Sometimes, injured parties who deserve compensation hesitate to bring a personal injury case because they do not understand the process. They might feel intimidated or believe their claim is undeserving. A consultation with a Bellingham personal injury attorney can be enlightening for these clients and help them determine whether to file a lawsuit.

Many clients do not realize that personal injury lawsuits are civil matters, not criminal cases. An injured party can still file a civil claim for damages even when the actions that led to their injury were illegal. When filing a civil injury claim, the lawyer representing the injured plaintiff serves a complaint on the defendant, who can then respond to the allegations listed. As the case proceeds, both sides will exchange information, known as discovery.

Most personal injury claims settle before going to trial, allowing you to potentially secure compensation without having to go to court. If a case does not settle, then both parties can present their arguments to a judge or a jury. In a civil case, the plaintiff’s attorney must only show that the claims are valid according to a “preponderance of the evidence.” This generally means that the judge or jury must find that the plaintiff’s claims are more likely to be true than not.

Determining Fault in a Personal Injury Case

Determining fault in a personal injury case involves carefully examining the facts and evidence surrounding the incident. Because the case is separate from any relevant criminal cases that stem from the same incident, a fault determination by law enforcement or another investigation is not necessarily the end of the story.

An experienced personal injury lawyer in Bellingham will gather their own evidence to review the work of any investigators, follow up on any discrepancies, and hire necessary experts to determine their findings concerning each case’s circumstances.

When the court decides who is at fault in a personal injury case, it can decide how much damages will be awarded and which parties must pay. In Washington, courts use a “comparative negligence” standard, meaning injured parties can recover damages even if they are partially at fault for the harm.

However, the amount of damages awarded may be reduced based on the percentage of the fault that can be attributed to the injured party. Our dedicated legal professional, attorney Gurj Narwal, could use his experience and skill to collect the necessary evidence to prove the liable party’s fault.

Settlement in Personal Injury Cases

A personal injury settlement is a legally binding agreement that concludes a claim or lawsuit related to a particular event. Usually, there is a monetary payment or some other form of compensation from one party to another in exchange for the lawsuit ending. In Washington, most civil cases are settled rather than going to trial. In some cases, settlement discussions can begin before a lawsuit is filed by a detailed and well-prepared demand letter sent by the plaintiff’s attorney to the defendant.

Settlements often benefit both parties by resolving the dispute faster, reducing legal costs, and maintaining confidentiality of the settlement terms. However, injured parties should be represented by counsel during settlement negotiations, which can be extensive. Our lawyer’s legal advice is crucial in these negotiations, ensuring you receive a fair settlement and feel secure in your legal rights.

Contact a Bellingham Personal Injury Attorney for Help With Your Case

If another party’s negligence has injured you, your next step after medical care is to call a lawyer. Your attorney could discuss the incident with you and advise whether you should bring a claim or file a lawsuit in accordance with Washington law.

With a Bellingham personal injury lawyer on your side, you could increase your chances of obtaining the best possible outcome and receiving the damages you deserve. Call Narwal Injury Law today to schedule an initial consultation.