One of the most common questions our attorneys receive from clients is whether or not they have a case. As with most things that have to do with the law, the answer is that it depends.
Every case is unique, and the only way to determine whether someone has a case, can take legal action, and how much it may be worth is to meet personally with an experienced lawyer. This is why Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. offers free case reviews.
Take a moment to view the following points below, and contact us to determine whether you have a case for compensation.
Were You Injured in Your Accident?
Being involved in an accident does not automatically mean you’re entitled to damages. According to the law, victims must have suffered actual damages during their accident to file a personal injury claim. These damages may include physical, emotional, and/or financial injuries. Successful claims can ultimately recover compensation for these damages.
In some circumstances, wronged victims may also be able to recover compensation for non-injury damages caused by the negligence of others. If you have a case involving damages but no physical injury, our legal team can help you determine whether you have grounds to file a claim.
Did You Get Medical Treatment?
Proving that you suffered physical injuries is crucial to the personal injury claim process. Simply saying that you were injured will likely not be enough to win your claim.
To protect your right to compensation and your health, it is important to seek timely medical treatment as soon as possible after an accident or when you begin to feel pain. Getting medical treatment will provide further credibility and evidence for your claim.
Has Too Much Time Passed?
You have a limited amount of time to file a civil action after being injured or suffering damages. This time deadline is known as the statute of limitations.
Be aware that the statute of limitations can vary depending on the type of case and the jurisdiction (DC, Maryland, or Virginia). This is why we advise anyone who believes they might have a claim to take immediate action and speak with a lawyer.
Did Someone Else Cause Your Accident?
A successful personal injury claim is hinged on proving that another person’s negligence or wrongful act is more likely than not to cause your accident – directly or indirectly. Even if you think you may have been somewhat at fault, there may be facts you are unaware of, and you may still be entitled to compensation.
Determining fault and gathering evidence such as medical records and witness statements to prove someone else caused your accident and injuries are a large part of what we do as personal injury lawyers.
How Much Can You Recover If Your Claim is Successful?
The amount of money you can recover if your claim is successful will depend on many factors, including the severity of your injuries and the amount of damages you have incurred. In some cases, you may be able to recover all of your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
In other cases, you may only be able to recover a portion of your damages. If you are not sure how much you can recover, you should speak to an experienced personal injury attorney who will be able to give you a better estimate.
Here is a small sample of some of our successful verdicts and settlements:
- $15 million for a woman who was permanently paralyzed from the neck down as a result of being struck by a stray bullet.
- $6 million on behalf of a man who suffered a brain injury as a result of a rear-end collision.
- $5 million medical malpractice settlement on behalf of a 14-year-old client who suffered a severe brain injury as a result of a doctor’s inappropriate use of a chemical product.
- $4.8 million on behalf of a severely injured man when his motorcycle struck a trailer being pulled by a minivan.
- $4.5 million for a woman who was seriously injured in a pedestrian accident after being struck from behind by a transit bus in a crosswalk.
See additional examples of our case victories and settlements on our “Case Results” page.
Should You Speak to an Attorney?
It’s important to understand that there are a number of unique factors that will determine whether or not you have a case. If you are still unsure if you have grounds to file a claim, you can discuss the unique aspects of your case with an attorney from our firm. An attorney can help you evaluate your situation and provide you with your legal rights and options.
An attorney can also help you gather evidence and build a strong case. If you decide to pursue a personal injury lawsuit, an attorney can represent you in court and fight for your compensation.
Personal Injury Cases Our Law Firm Handles
Our lawyers provide legal services for personal injury claims such as:
- Bicycle Accidents
- Brain Injury
- Bus Accidents
- Car Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Scooter Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Train Accidents
Contact a Washington, D.C. Personal Injury Lawyer Today For a FREE Case Review!
If you are looking for the highest level of representation available for your personal injury case, turn to Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Our firm has helped clients recover more than $500 million in compensation, and we have more than 100 years of combined experience. All of our partners are recognized by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers®, and our firm includes three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C.
We work to help our clients obtain fair settlement offers to compensate them for the injuries they’ve suffered, but our attorneys are extremely well-equipped to go to trial if needed. Call (202) 659-8600 or contact us online to get the proven legal representation you deserve.