Personal Injury Lawyers Bethesda, MD
How Long Will Your Personal Injury Lawsuit Take?
One of the first questions that clients ask when entering the office of personal injury lawyers Bethesda MD is how long the case will take. Unfortunately, there is no clear answer to the question. Every case is different. Your case may take a few months to a few years. While this might seem like a broad range, there are ways to make estimates. Here is what you need to know about the personal injury timeline.
What Does the Timeline Entail?
Your first step to filing a personal injury claim should be to set up a consultation with personal injury lawyers Bethesda MD. Your lawyer will discuss your options and help determine whether you have a strong enough case. Once it’s determined that you have a viable case, an investigation begins.
Once investigated, your attorney will demand payment from the insurance company or individual who was negligent. If the demand is denied, then your attorney will file the lawsuit. Once filed, the discovery phase begins. Your attorney and the defense attorney begin to build the case. Once the discovery process finishes, there will be an attempt to mediate a settlement. If the two sides cannot reach an agreement, then you go to trial. Most personal injury cases do not go to trial, but the case will be presented in front of the jury if yours does.
How Long Do Most Settlements Take?
The average length of time for a personal injury lawsuit depends on what kind of lawsuit you file. For example, a lawsuit concerning a car accident takes much less time than a wrongful death lawsuit. Here are some of the average times:
- Wrongful death lawsuits can take from six months to four years
- Car and truck accidents lawsuits can take from six months to 18 months
- Nursing home abuse lawsuits can take from 18 to 24 months
- Medical malpractice lawsuits can take from six to 12 months
In addition to the type of lawsuit, it depends on whether you have to go to court or if you settle out of court. Some insurance companies settle quickly, whereas others refuse to settle.
Your first step to filing a personal injury claim is to contact personal injury lawyers Bethesda MD. He or she can ensure that you do not miss any deadlines. During your consultation, you can discuss the length of time these cases last on average. Set up an appointment as soon as possible to receive the compensation that you deserve.
The experienced personal injury lawyers Bethesda MD at Cohen & Cohen have settled thousands of cases since its inception. Contact us today at (202) 955-4529 for a free case evaluation.
Private Investigation And Your Injury Claim
Our Bethesda, MD personal injury lawyer knows that when an insurance agent sends a private investigator after you following the filing of an injury claim in Maryland, it can be an intimidating and stressful experience. Understanding why this happens and how to handle it can help protect your interests and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Attorney Wayne Cohen is the founder of Cohen & Cohen and focuses on automobile accidents, wrongful death, and other personal injury cases and can help with your claim.
Why Insurers Use Private Investigators
Insurance companies often hire private investigators to gather evidence that might undermine your claim. Their goal is to reduce the payout by proving that your injuries are not as severe as reported or that you’re not following the restrictions your doctor has recommended. They might observe you in public places, follow you, or even conduct online surveillance through social media.
Recognizing Surveillance Tactics
Private investigators use a variety of methods to gather information. They might take photos or videos of your daily activities, hoping to catch you performing tasks that contradict your injury claims. For example, if you’ve claimed a back injury but are seen lifting heavy objects, this could be used to dispute your claim. Online surveillance is also common, where investigators scrutinize your social media posts for any evidence that you might be exaggerating your injuries.
Protecting Yourself From Unwarranted Surveillance
To protect yourself, it’s important to be mindful of your actions and what you share publicly. Always follow your doctor’s orders and avoid activities that could be misinterpreted as contradicting your injury claims. Be cautious about what you post on social media. Even seemingly innocent posts can be taken out of context and used against you. Adjust your privacy settings to limit who can view your content, and consider avoiding social media altogether while your claim is being processed.
Knowing Your Rights And Responding Appropriately
Our personal injury lawyer in Bethesda knows that while it’s legal for private investigators to conduct surveillance, they must adhere to certain boundaries. They cannot enter your property without permission, tamper with your mail, or use illegal means to gather information. If you suspect you’re being followed, try to document the investigator’s activities discreetly. Note down dates, times, and descriptions of the individual or vehicle involved. This information can be useful if the surveillance crosses legal boundaries.
Seeking Legal Assistance
Dealing with surveillance can be stressful and invasive, but you don’t have to handle it alone. An experienced attorney can provide guidance and support throughout this process. We understand the tactics insurance companies use and can help you navigate these challenges. Our team can advise you on how to act during surveillance and ensure that your rights are protected.
Help When Your Injury Claim Is Being Investigated
If you believe an insurance company has hired a private investigator to surveil you, it’s essential to stay vigilant and informed. Contact Cohen & Cohen today for a consultation. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you understand your rights, manage any surveillance tactics, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Attorney Wayne Cohen has appeared on many local and national television shows for his legal work and he is prepared to help with your case. Let us provide the expertise and support you need during this challenging time. Speak with our MD personal injury lawyer now.
