What to Expect in a Personal Injury Court Proceeding

The majority of personal injury cases end in a successful negotiation between the accident victim’s lawyer and the liable party. Unfortunately, sometimes the only fair way to claim the full damages you deserve is to take the liable party to trial. For example, if the insurance company covering the at-fault party is claiming that their client was not texting and driving at the time of a car accident, you may have to go to court to prove that they were. 

Going to court is an intimidating prospect for many people. If you have been hurt by someone else’s negligence and have to go to trial, our personal injury lawyer in Ohio outlines what you can expect below.

A Jury Trial

In criminal trials the defendant has the option of a bench trial, which only involves a judge, or a jury trial. Most personal injury cases are heard in front of a jury of your peers. During the trial, each side will present evidence and your lawyer will make arguments to convince the jury to find in your favor. If it is found that you are partly at fault for the accident, the jury will assign you a percentage of fault. If the jury awards you damages, they are then reduced by your same percentage of fault.

The Use of Expert Witnesses

If your personal injury case ends up going to court, expert witnesses are likely going to be a part of your case. An accident reconstruction specialist may be called to explain how an auto collision occurred. Or, a vocational expert may be asked to testify about how your injuries have limited the type of work you can perform. When working with an Ohio personal injury attorney, they will advise on whether an expert witness is necessary. If so, they will also have a network of experts they can contact to help you claim the full damages you deserve.

Your Own Testimony

There is a chance that the other side will call you up to testify. The lawyer representing the other party will ask you a number of questions and try to indicate that you were at fault or at least, that their client is not liable. This is a very intimidating prospect for many people. However, an Ohio personal injury lawyer will fully prepare you so you know what questions to expect, and how to answer them.

Our Personal Injury Lawyers in Ohio Can Prepare You for Trial

If you have to file a personal injury claim, there is a good chance it will not go to trial. Still, it is important to work with an Ohio personal injury lawyer who has the necessary trial experience to fully prepare you and give you the best chance of a successful outcome. At Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, LLC, our seasoned attorneys have that experience and will put it to work for you to ensure you claim the full and fair settlement to which you are entitled. Call us now or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.