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How to Bring a Personal Injury Claim Against Someone You Know in Columbia SC

October 21, 2021

Category
: Personal Injury

If you’ve suffered a personal injury, you have a right to expect compensation from the party responsible for your injuries — but that process can get a little complicated if the responsible party is someone you know.

Especially if it’s a friend or family member, bringing a lawsuit against someone you know can come with additional emotional challenges. From a trusted Columbia, SC law firm, here’s some information on if it’s worth it, what to do, and how to make the process easier for yourself. 

Is It Worth It to Bring a Personal Injury Suit Against Someone I Know?

You may be wondering if getting personal injury compensation is worth the risk of harming your relationship. You may choose to do a cost/benefit analysis of things like the extent of your injuries and the conditions of your relationship to help you decide. Ultimately, this is a decision you’ll have to make for yourself

However, to help you make an informed decision, we can provide you with some more detail on filing personal injury claims. First and foremost, you should know that if your injury was caused by another party’s negligence, it’s your right to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Second, you should know the possible damages you may be entitled to, including:

  • Relief from medical expenses 
  • Relief from rehabilitation expenses
  • Compensation for pain and suffering 
  • Reimbursement for lost wages from short or long-term disability
Tips For Filing a Personal Injury Suit Against Someone You Know in Columbia SC

If you’ve made the decision to file a personal injury suit against someone you know, you want to make sure you do it as effectively and with as little emotional damage as possible. Here are a few tips you can follow to help minimize some of the emotional aspects of the process. 

1. Don’t Wait to File Your Personal Injury Claim

It’s better to file a personal injury lawsuit in Columbia, SC sooner rather than later. Filing quickly is important for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Statute of limitations – There’s a time limit for filing in every state, known as a statute of limitations. In South Carolina, you generally have two to three years before you can no longer file your claim, and the clock starts on the day your incident occurred.
  • Clearer memory – If you begin the process soon, you’ll remember more of the key facts you need to provide evidence for your claim. You’ll be able to discuss the injury and the conditions that caused it, like names, dates, witnesses, weather, or other details with certainty. 
  • Reduced emotional suffering – You can minimize harm to the relationship with the responsible party if you start sooner. It’s better to file when the incident is relevant and in both parties’ minds. If you wait, it can be like reopening a sore wound and lead to more emotional distress.
2. Provide Strong Evidence and Facts

Every lawsuit needs strong evidence, but when there is a personal factor added to the case, it’s especially important to provide strong facts instead of just strong emotions. Have a detailed account of what occurred, what injuries were caused, and how the event affected you physically, psychologically, and financially. Using this information will help guide you toward winning the case without becoming overwhelmed with the feelings you may have about it.

3. Work with a Columbia Lawyer

While you can choose to legally represent yourself, the process is likely to go smoother if you work with a local Columbia, SC lawyer. Working with an experienced lawyer can help maximize your compensation, while also removing some of the personal, emotional aspects of your case. With a Columbia lawyer, you’ve got a local professional in your corner to advocate for your needs. 

Bernstein & Bernstein is a trusted, local Columbia, SC law firm that understands that every civil case is personal, and it can be difficult to navigate the process when feelings are involved. While we can’t promise that certain relationships won’t be complicated, we can help you pursue legal action so you can get what you deserve. Reach out to our team to get started.

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