4 Misconceptions About Personal Injury Lawsuits
There are many misconceptions about personal injury lawsuits. Many people fine themselves wondering if they can file a lawsuit, but because of misinformation either lose his or her chance, or don't even try. Here are some common misconceptions regarding the personal injury lawsuits that you need to know about.
1. Personal Injury Lawsuits Are Only For Car Accidents
Car accidents are one of the most common reasons for filling a personal injury lawsuit. But just because they are the most common, doesn't mean that they are the only reason to file a lawsuit. You can file a personal injury suit for anything that another person did that caused you an injury of body or of property. For instance, if someone broken into your house and damaged your property, you can file a suit against them; medical malpractice, slip and falls, and so much more could merit a lawsuit.
2. You Can File A Lawsuit At Any Time
Another misconception is that you have all the time in the world to file a lawsuit. Some people wait years before they even think about filing the suit. However, that is not the case. You can only file a lawsuit within the statue of limitations, which is usually a couple years after most injury cases. Thus, if you want to file a lawsuit you need to do it right away.
3. The Actions Of The Guilty Party Had To Be Intentional
Although some people hurt each other on purpose, there are other situations where the guilty party did not intend to hurt you, but regardless they still did. So long as their actions were irresponsible and negligent, you could still have grounds for a lawsuit. You can file a suit against someone so long as you sustained an injury because of something that they did. You may have to prove that they acted unreasonably, like they invited people over to their house, but didn't shovel the snow off the driveway, or label it properly, but once you prove that you could file a lawsuit.
4. There Can't Be A Civil Suit and Criminal Suit
Even if the state presses charges against the person, you can still file a personal injury lawsuit. Civil court and criminal court are two separate things. Criminal court will punish them through the law and civil court will make sure you get the money you deserve.
By learning the truth about personal injury lawsuits you can decide if filing one is right for you. For more information, you will want to contact a professional such as one found at Monohan & Blankenship.