Have you been injured in an accident and are preparing to file a claim with a local attorney? As Tampa Bay’s trusted personal injury lawyers, Brooks Law Group wants victims to feel empowered and confident as they move forward in the claims process. This confidence comes with knowledge. That’s why we’re taking time to break down a personal injury claim and what you can expect after you file.
This step-by-step guide is for you: a victim just trying to figure out where to start.
What are the steps of a personal injury claim?
While each case is unique, the basic steps of a personal injury case are:
- an initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer
- a thorough case evaluation by your chosen lawyer
- filing the actual personal injury claim
- negotiation among involved parties
- settlement or litigation
- resolution
- disbursement
- appeal (if applicable to your case)
We’ll break down each of these steps through this guide and help you better understand your role (and ours!) as you seek compensation for your injuries.
Where do I start when it’s time to file my claim?
As a victim, your primary role is reaching out to a lawyer in your area for help. For victims in and around the Tampa Bay region, Brooks Law Group is a first choice. You need personal injury lawyers with plentiful experience, proven skills both in the courtroom and around the negotiation table, and compassion for their clients. We check all of those boxes and more.
After you’ve selected the lawyer that best fits your needs for your personal injury claim, you’ll schedule a consultation. This meeting is your opportunity to discuss your case and share information about your accident, your injuries, how those injuries have impacted your life, and who or what you believe is at fault for the accident. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions and have your initial concerns addressed by a lawyer who better understands the system. At Brooks Law Group, we take this time to put your mind at ease and make sure you feel comfortable with each aspect of the case moving forward.
Following this consultation, we encourage clients to focus on healing and moving forward, while we take on the burden of fighting for justice on their behalf. While we will keep you updated and are always happy to answer questions, you can rest and recover once your case is in our hands.
What happens after my initial personal injury consultation?
Once we have the details of your case, our team will begin a thorough investigation of our own. We dive into police reports, witness statements, medical records, your statements, photos, video evidence, and more. We build a case around all of these facts, giving us the perspective needed to best value your potential claim.
Once the case is built, we file a claim with the court or appropriate insurance company. The details of this process vary based on the local laws, type of injury, etc.
If all goes smoothly, a negotiation is reached with your insurance company and you move into the final phases of your personal injury claim settlement. However, if a negotiation isn’t 
possible, and a resolution can’t be reached in this way, litigation is necessary.
As your lawyer, we advocate for you and build a case that best represents your injuries, damages, and need for assistance via compensation. While the ultimate goal of a personal injury claim is negotiation and settlement outside of court, you can count on our team to stand for you if litigation is necessary.
How do I get my settlement after my personal injury claim?
Once a settlement has been reached, either through negotiations or litigation, you will receive your compensation payout. As your lawyer, we carefully account for legal fees, outstanding medical bills (and ongoing medical costs for therapy, medications, etc.), and other expenses related to your injuries when we are building your case. That means you get more money in your pocket at the end of your case because we always put you, our client, first.
If either party has a question related to the outcome of the case at this point, an appeal is possible. If the opposing party brings an appeal in your case, you can count on our team. We’re your advocates until the case closes.
Tampa victims Look to Brooks!
If the personal injury claims process is daunting to you, you’re not alone! Make your next step a phone call to Brooks Law Group. In your free initial consultation, we’ll put your mind at ease and clear up any confusion about the next steps. Our contingency fee means you don’t pay unless we win. Reaching out for our help is never a risk to you.
We stand on care, compassion, and dedication to our clients. We take your fight personally, seeking out the justice you deserve and the compensation you need from your personal injury claim. Don’t suffer in silence because you think you have nowhere else to turn.
Tampa Bay accident victims always Look to Brooks, and you can too.
