No two personal injury cases are exactly alike. Some can be resolved within months, while others may take years due to their complexity and the number of parties involved.

• Simple cases with minimal injuries and clear liability may resolve quickly.
• Claims involving multiple parties or high-value damages often require more time.
• Legal processes like discovery, depositions, and expert testimony can extend timelines.

In straightforward cases—such as low-speed auto collisions with limited insurance—settlements might happen within a few months. But when injuries are serious or fault is contested, the claim may take 18 to 24 months or longer

A contingency fee means your attorney only gets paid if your case is successful—either through settlement or court judgment. Rather than charging by the hour, the lawyer takes a percentage of the total compensation you receive.

• Typically, this percentage ranges from 25% to 40%, depending on the case.
• If there is no recovery, the client owes no legal fees.
• This structure encourages attorneys to take cases they believe in and work hard for a strong result.

For example, in a case with a $30,000 settlement and a one-third fee agreement, the attorney would be paid $10,000 at the conclusion of the case.

The eggshell plaintiff doctrine holds that a defendant is fully liable for a plaintiff’s injuries, even if those injuries are more severe due to an existing medical condition. In simple terms, it means you don’t get to choose the physical condition of the person you injure. You are responsible for the full impact of your actions, regardless of the plaintiff’s prior health.

• Pre-existing conditions cannot be used to reduce compensation.
• The law protects individuals who are more vulnerable to injury.
• Liability includes the aggravation of any prior injuries or health issues.

For example, someone with a previous back injury who is rear-ended in a car accident may suffer greater harm than a person without that condition. Under this doctrine, the responsible party must still pay for the full extent of the injury.

In legal terms, harm is not just about how bad an accident looked—it’s about the real, measurable impact on a person’s life. A person can walk away from a serious collision with little to no injury, while another may suffer lasting damage from what appears to be a minor incident.

• Harm includes physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial losses.
• The severity of an accident doesn’t always reflect the severity of injury.
• Without documented medical harm, a personal injury claim is difficult to pursue.

Courts rely heavily on evidence of real damage—such as medical records, proof of income loss, and documented pain and suffering—to determine whether compensation is warranted.

A personal injury case is typically brought when someone is physically or emotionally harmed due to another’s failure to exercise reasonable care. These cases can arise in a wide range of everyday situations.

• Slip and fall incidents caused by hazardous property conditions
  
• Auto collisions involving negligent drivers
  
• Injuries at work due to safety violations
  

In each of these, the injured person must show that someone else had a legal duty to act responsibly—and failed to do so. The goal of personal injury law is to make victims whole again through financial compensation for things like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

One major benefit of hiring a local attorney is their firsthand experience with nearby courts and their personnel. Lawyers who routinely practice in a specific jurisdiction often understand the unique characteristics of the local judiciary.

• They may know how individual judges prefer cases to be presented.
• They’re familiar with court-specific procedures or scheduling quirks.
• Their relationships with court staff can streamline filings and hearings.

This kind of insight can be particularly useful in time-sensitive personal injury claims or when arguing nuanced medical malpractice cases before a jury.