What is the process for filing a catastrophic injury lawsuit?
Filing a catastrophic injury lawsuit in Washington is a complex process that requires the expert guidance of a personal injury lawyer. The first step is to determine the cause of the catastrophic injury. This entails examining medical records, accident reports, and other documents related to the injury. Once the cause of the injury has been determined, a personal injury lawyer can then review the evidence and determine whether a lawsuit should be filed. The next step is to research the applicable laws in Washington and file the lawsuit according to the guidelines provided by the state. This typically involves filing a complaint in the appropriate court and providing evidence of the cause of the injury and the damages suffered. In Washington, the complaint must be filed within two years of the date of injury, or the statute of limitations will expire. The third step is to serve the complaint on the defendant. This can be done through the court or through a private process server. Once the defendant is served, they are required to file an answer to the complaint or risk a default judgement being entered against them. The fourth step is to negotiate a settlement with the defendant through mediation or negotiation. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial where the jury will determine if the plaintiff is entitled to damages or if the defendant will be found liable. Once liability has been established, the court will determine a suitable amount of damages to award to the plaintiff. The court may award physical damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, or non-physical damages such as pain and suffering. The court will also consider punitive damages, which are meant to punish the defendant for their negligence. Filing a catastrophic injury lawsuit is a complex process that takes skill and expertise. Experienced personal injury lawyers can help guide you through the process and help ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
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