Personal injury lawsuits are a way to seek compensation for injuries or damages sustained due to the negligence of a person or entity. If you’ve suffered an injury, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit in New Hampshire. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Table of Contents
Determine if You Have a Case
Before filing a personal injury lawsuit, you must first determine if you have a case. To have a personal injury claim in New Hampshire, you must prove that the person or entity you’re suing was negligent and that their negligence caused your injuries. Negligence can include actions such as reckless driving, failure to maintain premises, or medical malpractice, among others.
Choose the Right Type of Lawsuit
After you’ve determined that you have a case, the next step is to choose the appropriate type of personal injury lawsuit. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may choose to file one of the following types of lawsuits:
- Car accident lawsuit
- Slip and fall lawsuit
- Medical malpractice lawsuit
- Product liability lawsuit
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
In New Hampshire, it’s recommended that you hire a personal injury lawyer to represent you in your lawsuit. Personal injury lawyers specialize in cases such as yours and can help you navigate the legal process and maximize your compensation.
File a Complaint
Once you’ve hired a personal injury lawyer, they will file a complaint on your behalf. A complaint is a legal document that outlines your case against the person or entity you’re suing. This document must be filed in the appropriate court to begin the legal process.
Serve the Defendant
After the complaint has been filed, the defendant must be served with a copy of the complaint and the summons. This is done by a sheriff or a private process server. The defendant has a certain amount of time to respond to the complaint, typically within 20 days.
Engage in Discovery
Discovery is the process of gathering evidence for your case. This includes obtaining witness testimony, medical records, police reports, and any other evidence that supports your claim. Your personal injury lawyer will conduct discovery on your behalf.
Attempt Mediation
Before going to trial, many personal injury cases go through a mediation process. This involves both parties meeting with a neutral third party to attempt to reach a settlement outside of court.
Go to Trial
If a settlement cannot be reached at mediation, the case will go to trial. During the trial, both parties present their cases to a judge and/or jury. The jury will then decide the outcome of the case and determine the amount of compensation that’s awarded.
Appeal the Decision
If you’re unhappy with the outcome of the trial, you have the right to appeal the decision. This involves requesting that a higher court review the decision and determine if any legal errors were made.
Conclusion
Filing a personal injury lawsuit can be a complicated process. However, by following these steps, you can increase your chances of receiving the compensation you’re entitled to for your injuries. Remember, it’s essential to hire a personal injury lawyer who can guide you through the process and maximize your compensation.