To answer, you must file a formal document with the court. The document is called The Answer. You cannot call the clerk's office for additional time to file a response in a civil case. Only the plaintiff or his lawyer can grant you additional time (called an extension).
Depending on the circumstances of your injury, you can also claim additional damages for the emotional and future harm you experience. Depending on your state, the law that governs shared fault in a personal injury case is the comparative or contributory negligence rule. In many states, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is one year from the date of the accident or injury. Having a personal injury lawyer on your side will be an advantage for you, whether you decide to start a lawsuit or not.
All of these factors can make a huge difference in the cost of a structured settlement or a lump sum payment, so make sure you always have adequate insurance that covers most of these costs and always act in accordance with the laws so you don't risk being financially burdened by a personal injury settlement for years to come. Learn more about comparative negligence and contributory negligence as defenses in a personal injury lawsuit. The injured person or plaintiff writes a demand letter stating the allegations and what the defendant did wrong and demands compensation for their injuries and any costs that those injuries entail. One of the first things a defendant in a personal injury case could argue is that the plaintiff's complaint (the list of allegations in a lawsuit) does not establish one or more essential elements of their case.
Since the accident would not have occurred without the negligence of the other party, the negligent person (also called the at-fault party or the defendant) may be held responsible for covering the costs associated with the injury. This is because the injured party will have to deal with the pain and suffering caused by these injuries for an extended period of time, if they can overcome them at all. However, your chances of reducing your liability for damages are significantly better with the help of a personal injury lawyer. If you were injured as a result of a car accident, you are entitled to personal injury protection (PIP) insurance benefits, which has specific time limits for claims that vary depending on your insurance provider's internal policies.
And for detailed information on each phase of a personal injury lawsuit, see How to Win Your Personal Injury Claim, by Joseph Matthews (Nolo). For example, one of the elements of a negligence lawsuit is causality, the crucial link between the defendant's action and the injuries suffered by the plaintiff, which shows that the defendant caused the plaintiff's injuries. Your personal injury lawyer can help you determine the valuation of your non-economic damages. If you were injured as a result of an accident or believe you have reason to file a personal injury claim, working with an attorney ensures that you have an advocate for the compensation you deserve.
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