Personal Injury Claims
Learn about the basic legal and financial issues at play following an accident.
In this section we've put together a starting list for anyone injured in an accident, and looking to educate themselves on their rights and legal options.
Get Informed Articles & Information
Introduction & Overview
moreIntroduction & Overview
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Learning the Basics: Personal Injury Law
Start here to get a sense of what personal injury means, and what the important elements of a case are.
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Common Terms You'll Hear in a Personal Injury Case
If you're involved in a personal injury case, these legal terms are very likely going to be thrown around.
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What is a tort? "Tort" is just an older and stranger word for "personal injury."
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How to File a Personal Injury Claim
Get an overview of the basic steps to follow if you want to pursue a personal injury claim (or lawsuit) following an accident.
Types of Personal Injury Claims
moreTypes of Personal Injury Claims
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Common Kinds of Personal Injury Cases
A look at common kinds of personal injury cases, and what to expect.
All Cases
Each type of case has it's own unique legal issues. The sections below offer information specific to each one.Animal and Dog Bites
Car Accidents
Chemicals & Toxins
Construction Accidents
Defamation
Defective/Dangerous Products
Claims Against the Government
Intentional Torts
Medical Malpractice
Nursing Home Injuries & Elder Abuse
Premises Liability
Railroad Worker Injury Claims
Slip & Fall Accidents
Sports & Recreation Accidents
Workplace Accidents
Wrongful Death
Legal Concepts
moreLegal Concepts
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Negligence, Fault, & Liability
Who is responsible to pay in a personal injury case? Who caused the accident? Here's what the law has to say.
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Almost every personal injury case is based on some breach of duty. Learn about this important legal concept.
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Intentional Torts vs. Negligence
Different rules exist for injuries (called torts) committed on purpose or by accident.
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If you were injured during a risky activity that you voluntarily participated in, do you still have a personal injury case? What if you signed a waiver?
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The Burden of Proof in a Personal Injury Case
What does "by a preponderance of the evidence" mean? Learn about the burden of proof requirement in a personal injury lawsuit.
What You'll Need to Make Your Claim
moreWhat You'll Need to Make Your Claim
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Evidence You'll Need for a Personal Injury Claim
To win an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, you'll need evidence to support your liability and injury claims. Here are some tips to help.
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Proving Your Personal Injury Case
Learn about the elements you'll need to prove in an injury case -- and the evidence that can help.
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Making a Personal Injury Claim When You Can't 'Prove' Fault
If your goal is to settle your injury claim with an insurance company, you don't need to 'prove' fault to get compensation.
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After an accident, good documentation of your injuries goes a long way in supporting any resulting personal injury claims.
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Releasing Your Medical Records
Medical records play a key role in any personal injury claim. In most cases, both sides will get access to all the plaintiff's relevant medical records.
Timeline of Your Injury Claim
moreTimeline of Your Injury Claim
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Timeline of an Accident Claim & Personal Injury Case
A chronological overview of the accident claim and personal injury case process: From accident, through settlement and lawsuit.
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How Long After an Accident Should You File an Injury Claim?
Make sure you file your injury claim or lawsuit in time - but don't settle before you've received enough medical treatment or healed well enough to understand the impact of your injuries.
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Finding, Choosing, Hiring, and Paying a Personal Injury Lawyer
All about when to hire a lawyer, how to find one, how to pay, and how to manage your personal injury attorney.
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Step One in Your Injury Claim: The Notification Letter
Giving notice of an accident and your injuries ensures the responsible party is aware of their potential liability should you file a personal injury claim.
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Using Witnesses in Your Personal Injury Claim
Learn how to locate and best utilize witnesses in your injury claim.
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Independent Medical Exams in Personal Injury Claims
In many personal injury claims, the defendant (usually an insurance company) will want and independent medical examination of the injured claimant.
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Managing Costs & Expenses in a Personal Injury Case
Learn about the expenses of managing an accident or injury claim.
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How Many Personal Injury Claims Wind Up in Court?
The great majority of personal injury claims won't make it to a court trial. Here's why.
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Settlement is faster, easier, less expensive, and less risky for both sides.
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Collecting Your Injury Settlement Money or Judgement
Once you've accepted a settlement offer or won your personal injury trial, it's time to collect your money. Here's what to expect.
Trouble With Your Case
moreTrouble With Your Case
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Delay & Deny: How Insurance Companies Minimize Injury Claim Payments
Get informed on the tactics insurance companies use to delay, deny or minimize the amount of damages payable to the injured claimant.
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Defenses Against Your Personal Injury Claim
If you're filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit, here are the defenses most likely to be employed by the insurance company or defense attorney.
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Effect of Tort Reform on Personal Injury Cases
Tort reform is legislation that limits a plaintiff's ability to recover compensation in a personal injury lawsuit - and it's a controversial subject.
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If you're making a personal injury claim, be sure to include all relevant information on the accident, and avoid exaggerating your injuries, to avoid the legal consequences of fraud.
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How to Deal With a Personal Injury Lien
If there is a lien against your personal injury case, your options for resolving it depend on the type of lien holder and the strength of your case.
Special Types of Claims
moreSpecial Types of Claims
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Special Types of Personal Injury Cases
An overview of special rules in cases involving workplace injuries, claims against the government, and more.
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Personal Injury Cases Involving Children
How does the law protect children who are injured in an accident? Who is liable when a minor causes an accident? Find out here.
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If a civil or criminal case is wrongfully prosecuted, the defendant in that case may be able to turn around and sue the plaintiff for malicious prosecution.
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Lawsuits for Malicious Prosecution or Abuse of Process
If someone has wrongfully sued you or prosecuted you for a crime, you may be able to bring a claim of malicious prosecution or abuse of process.
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Injury Lawsuits for STD Infection and Disclosure
Can you sue someone for knowingly infecting you with a sexually transmitted disease? Can you sue someone for disclosing that you have an STD? Both cases may be grounds for a lawsuit.
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Civil Claims For Those Falsely Accused of a Crime
What legal options do you have after having been accused, prosecuted, then exonerated for a crime you did not commit?
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