Injuries happen; and when they do, they are most often the result of an accident – being in the wrong place at the wrong time. But when the accident is a result of another party’s negligence, then it becomes a case of personal injury, a legal matter that is settled between attorneys in order to obtain you the financial restitution you may deserve. In such a case, a personal injury attorney’s first and most important job is to determine if you have a case at all.

Before the legal process can even begin, a personal injury attorney will gather all the facts related to your injury including witness accounts, photographs, medical records, and police reports – if any were filed. Such elements are imperative in determining if there was actual negligence on the part of the opposing party. If negligence clearly exists – and this is vitally important as a personal injury attorney is entrusted with convincing a jury of such negligence beyond a shadow of a doubt – than they may determine that you indeed have a case.

A personal injury attorney will also undoubtedly look to you to determine your credibility as a client. Just as you will surely interview reputable attorneys to determine which one is a good match for you, any attorney worth their weight will want to hear what you have to say in order to determine if you will be a well-matched team going forward and if your testimony can be relied upon in court.

If it is determined that you have a viable personal injury case, a personal injury attorney will begin by filing your case in court, complete with the financial restitution that you have together determined to be appropriate. Arriving at such a number requires looking at everything from medical bills and lost wages, to physical pain and emotional suffering.

Often, your attorney will attempt to settle your case outside of the courtroom as this saves both money and time. Such settlement can occur through conversation between the attorneys or through legal mediation. But if it is found that such a settlement is not likely to be successful, then your attorney will be responsible for representing you in the courtroom so as to reach the most favorable outcome.