Sustaining an injury in an accident is horrible, and oftentimes not just physically, but also emotionally and financially. This is why the laws allows plaintiffs to seek compensation for their wrongfully inflicted injuries from the ones responsible. Plaintiffs will oftentimes be reliant on obtaining these damages so they can reclaim their lives and overcome their trauma.
However, despite the seriousness of this matter, many still want to represent themselves throughout the legal process of their personal injury claims. This can have terrible consequences, since the average citizen lacks the experience and skill set necessary to build and present such complex cases successfully.
Significant Legal Errors
Oftentimes, the first problems already show themselves while filing the claim. This can lead to a delay in the proceedings, and sometimes even to a full prohibition from seeking other options. This is because too many delays can lead the legal process exceed the two-year statute of limitations and, past this point, no further legal action is possible on the plaintiff’s part. At least not in the majority of cases.
Regular citizens unfamiliar with such matters will not be aware of the list of requirements and laws which will need to be followed in order to file a successful personal injury claim. Errors and misunderstandings will not be overlooked just because they were made by a regular citizen and not a lawyer. You will need to meet deadlines and file everything accordingly the first time around.
Lower Settlements
A personal injury case not handled by an experienced Injury Lawyer in Vaughan can lead to plaintiffs obtaining far lower settlements. This can be the result for multiple reasons, including the following:
• The self-representing plaintiff has neglected to gather sufficient information about the defendant’s involvement in regards to how they sustained their injury. As a result, they are found partially liable for their own injury which results in a decrease in compensation.
• The self-representing plaintiff was unaware of additional damages they were entitled to, such as damages for pain and suffering.
• The self-representing plaintiff failed to accurately calculate all the short-term and long-term costs that resulted and will result from their injuries. These expenses include medical bills, decreased earning power, and lost wages. Oftentimes, the plaintiff will unfortunately overlook certain sources of such expenses.
The plaintiffs most at risk of making such errors are the ones suffering from physically and/or mentally debilitating injuries, who are also the ones most in need of acquiring the full extent of compensation available to them. And that is why it is advised that you need to seek the services of a professional and licensed injury lawyer.