Have you suffered a personal injury? Did you or a loved one get hurt because of the negligence of somebody else? Were you or a loved one in a car accident or any type of motor vehicle collision? Did you suffer an injury when using a defective product? Were you or was a loved one bitten by a dog? Did you experience a slip and fall in a commercial establishment? The types and extent of personal injury cases are infinite. And if you are considering filing a lawsuit because of one, there are several important things you should know before getting started.

1. There’s a Time Limit to File a Personal Injury Claim

If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a situation like the ones described above or any other, there’s not much time to waste to file a lawsuit. The statute of limitations in the state of Oregon dictates that you have two years from the day of the accident to file a claim. After that, no lawyer will work with you and no judge will hear your case.

2. Successful Personal Injury Claims Take Time

You or your loved one may be in pain because of an accident, you may have to undergo medical treatments or even surgeries and be in a hurry to get your case settled. However, you have to keep in mind that a successful lawsuit requires careful planning. Your personal injury attorney will need to gather documentation to explain your injuries and the amount that you are claiming also needs to be supported. All these steps take time.

3. There are Different Types of Damages that Can be Recovered

If damages are not present in a personal injury case, it will not hold up in court. What can be considered damages? Among others:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Wages lost or loss of earning capacity
• Pain
• Mental anguish
• Wrongful death damages
• Punitive damages

4. Stay Away from Social Media and Make a Good Impression

If your case claims that you were severely injured but all your posts show you telling a completely different story, you will have a hard time proving your case. Also, don’t talk to anyone about the case until a settlement has been reached.

And when your case gets to court, always be polite, dress appropriately, and act respectfully. You need the jury to be sympathetic towards what happened to you.

5. Work with a Knowledgeable Personal Injury Attorney

What happened to you is filled with physical, mental, and emotional pain. Working with a personal injury attorney that doesn’t understand what you went through, that gives you the impression of being in a hurry or not having the time to listen to your story, does not bode well for a successful claim.

Take the time to interview a couple of personal injury attorneys until you find the right one to work with. Ask for an initial consultation and get answers to all of your most pressing questions. You’ll be glad you took the time when you see your case develop in the way you have envisioned and, most importantly, when the results you are hoping for come true. Your personal injury lawyer will be your best ally in your personal injury lawsuit. Get started today.