Soft Tissue Injuries Information Center

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• What To Expect in a Soft Tissue Injury Case
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What To Expect in a Soft Tissue Injury Case

The progress of your soft tissue injury case depends on the circumstances of your injury and the availability of evidence. How your case is prepared and how it proceeds will be influenced by whether you were injured in an auto accident; by slipping and falling on someone else's property; as the result of an assault; or due to some other cause. Most cases, however, follow the general framework discussed below. An attorney from Winters & Yonker in Tampa, FL, can guide you through the process as your case is investigated, filed and resolved.

Investigation

When an attorney accepts your case, the attorney will want to thoroughly investigate your claim. The investigation should reveal who is responsible for your injuries; the extent of your injuries; and potential problems that could arise in pursuing your case. The investigation may include:

• Obtaining and reviewing witness statements
• Obtaining and reviewing medical records
• Consulting with technical or medical experts who have specialized knowledge shedding light on the details of your case
• Inspecting the site at which the injury occurred

During the investigation, your attorney may attempt to negotiate a settlement with the party or parties responsible for causing your injuries. If your case cannot be settled, it is likely that a lawsuit will commence.

Lawsuit

If you decide to file a lawsuit, your attorney will take several steps as the process begins. Each defendant will be served with two documents: a summons and a complaint (in some states, the complaint is called the petition). The summons and complaint let the recipient know that you are suing and the reasons you are suing. The person served with the summons and complaint will send back an answer, setting out the reasons he or she claims not to be liable. If the answer is not served within a certain time, you may win the case by default.

After your lawsuit has begun, you may be required to give a deposition. At a deposition, you will be placed under oath and asked questions by attorneys. Your answers will be recorded, usually by a court reporter or stenographer. In addition to your deposition, you may be required to answer interrogatories, or written questions submitted by the other side. Your attorney will probably submit interrogatories to the opposing attorneys as well and, if possible, will take the depositions of those responsible for your injuries.

If your health is at issue in the case, you will probably be required to undergo a medical examination so that all parties may learn the nature and extent of your injuries. In some states, a court order is necessary before you are required to undergo such an examination.

Negotiations to settle your case may continue while the other procedures are taking place. If a settlement still cannot be reached, your case will go to trial. Most personal injury cases are resolved before a trial is necessary, but it is best to prepare the case as if it will go to court.

Contact an Attorney

Pursuing a claim for soft tissue injuries can be intimidating if you do not know what to expect. An attorney from Winters & Yonker in Tampa, FL, with experience in handling soft tissue injury cases will be able to answer your questions and keep you informed of the progress of your case.

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