What Do I Need to Do in a California Injury Lawsuit?
Many injured plaintiffs may be under the impression that once they get in touch with a lawyer, they can simply sit back and let these legal professionals do all the work. While it is true that lawyers should bear the brunt of the legal work, plaintiffs may still be called upon to carry out certain duties and responsibilities. If you are approaching a personal injury lawsuit in California, it is helpful to learn what might be expected of you as you move forward.
Answer Interrogatories
As an injured plaintiff, you might be required to answer interrogatories. These are simply written questions that must be answered in writing under oath. Interrogatories are submitted during the pre-trial discovery phase when both parties attempt to collect as much information as possible. Absent valid objections, you must answer these questions to the best of your recollection in a truthful, accurate manner.
Participate in Depositions
You may also be called upon to participate in depositions. This is an interview conducted with both sets of lawyers present, and you must answer under oath. Unlike interrogatories, you do not write down your answers. Instead, you verbally respond to questions from an attorney. This may be a stressful experience, but your injury lawyer will be there to offer support.
Get Medical Treatment
Another very important step for injured plaintiffs is to seek medical opinion, diagnosis and treatment. If you do not get medical treatment, it may difficult to prove that you were injured, or the extent of any injury. You can help your attorney by getting the treatment you need and collecting any evidence of this treatment, such as medical records, medical images, receipts for medical bills, doctors’ notes, and so on.
Provide Documents
There are also certain documents that you might need to provide to your attorney in order to give yourself the best possible chance of success. These documents are often financial in nature, such as pay stubs or tax returns. These documents can provide proof of your past earnings, allowing you to pursue compensation for missed wages due to your injuries. By providing evidence of your past earnings, you can receive an accurate and fair amount.
Provide Evidence
If you have certain evidence that can support your claim, you should also provide this to your attorney at your earliest convenience. For example, you might have taken pictures of your crash site after an accident. Perhaps you snapped a picture of a grocery aisle with a puddle of spilled milk after slipping and falling. Even if you are not sure whether your evidence might be helpful, it is best to provide it.
Find a Personal Injury Lawyer in Riverside
If you have been searching for a personal injury attorney in Riverside, look no further than the Knez Law Group. We have helped numerous injured victims over the years, and we can guide you toward a positive outcome. While you might be required to carry out certain duties as a plaintiff, rest assured that we will handle the complex legal processes while you focus on the healing process.
Matthew J. Knez graduated from the University of Redlands in California where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing. He went on to pursue his Law Degree at the University of LaVerne, College of Law in Ontario, California. While pursuing his law degree he earned various awards, including CALI Award in Torts and he was on the Dean’s List. Mr. Knez was also a member of the Justice and Immigration Clinic where he worked with people seeking asylum into the United States from countries where they had experienced persecution or threat of persecution. Additionally, Mr. Knez was a member of Law Review where he was an Associate Editor and published a Law Review article on California family custody move-away cases.