Personal Injury Law in Newport, RI

The aftermath of a personal injury does not end with medical bills. Loss of income, diminished quality of life, and ongoing medical treatments are possible. The situation can quickly become overwhelming, especially when trying to recover.

In a sea of legal complexities and challenges, a skilled personal injury attorney in Newport can be a lifesaver. Examine what they can do for you under state or federal law and ask for legal help today.

What Is Personal Injury Law?

Personal injury law in Newport relates to the legal process of getting compensation for an injury caused by someone else’s negligent behavior. These cases involve one party, the plaintiff, trying to seek financial compensation for expenses incurred and money lost as a result of the defendant’s reckless behavior. These cases involve both parties’ insurance companies and may even settle before proceeding to litigation.

Examples of Personal Injury Claims in Newport, RI

Some personal injury claims are more common than others. However, almost any incident that ends with a physical or mental injury could qualify, depending on the circumstances.

A few of the most common personal injury claims are:

• Car Accidents
• Slip and Fall
• Dog Bites
• Medical Malpractice
• Workplace Accidents
• Burn Injuries

Most Common Injuries in Newport 

In Newport, the leading causes of injuries often align with common trends. Motor vehicle accidents, whether involving cars, bicycles, or pedestrians, are a significant source. Recreational activities like boating, swimming, and water sports also present injury risks. Slips and falls, whether on private property or public spaces like sidewalks and parks, contribute to the incidence of injuries as well.

Steps in a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Newport, RI

Once you determine that you wish to proceed forward with a personal injury action in Rhode Island

A lawsuit begins when a complaint is filed with the court and served on the defendant. The complaint alleges your assertion as the plaintiff that the defendant’s negligent behavior resulted in damage to your body or mental state. As the process proceeds forward, you may have to go through depositions, independent medical evaluations and document production. This discovery process is lengthy and ends in either settlement or a court appearance.

Initiating a personal injury lawsuit in Newport typically starts with filing a complaint in Superior Court. Then, both parties engage in a discovery process to gather evidence and build their respective cases. Pre-trial motions and settlement negotiations often follow. If a settlement does not happen, the case proceeds to trial.

Rhode Island Personal Injury Settlement

With most personal injury cases, insurance companies and injured parties prefer settlement negotiations rather than going to court for a trial. You may wonder how much you should seek in your settlement and factors that impact the final amount.

The financial impact of personal injury incidents can be substantial and varies widely. Costs can range from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The elements that usually become involved are medical bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses. According to various studies, the average cost of a hospital stay due to injury can be tens of thousands of dollars. Additionally, if a lawsuit ensues, legal fees and court costs can add significantly to the financial burden.

If the other party has insurance, the insurance company likely wants to settle out of court to avoid leaving the final settlement decision to a jury. Settlements benefit injured parties as much as they do insurance companies. This is because accepting a settlement means you receive compensation sooner rather than later. Also, by going to court in RI, that means you risk not receiving any compensation at all.

Damage Awards in Rhode Island

If your Rhode Island personal injury lawsuit goes before a judge or jury, your legal team will be ready with a request for damages. In personal injury cases, there are three types of damage awards a court may order the defendant to pay to compensate you for the damage he or she inflicted.

Special compensatory damages reimburse you for things such as lost income, medical bills and insurance deductibles. You submit receipts proving these losses.

General compensatory damages are subjective. If you receive special compensatory damages, you may also collect general damages. If your injury was particularly painful, you might request that the judge order the defendant compensate you for the pain and anguish.

Punitive damages are the most rarely awarded and are up to the court. The judge or jury may determine that the defendant’s negligence was particularly heinous and the resulting injury to you was equally horrific.

Rhode Island does not have a general cap on damages for most personal injury cases. However, consult current state statutes or a legal professional to get the most up-to-date information.

Statute of Limitations in Newport, RI Personal Injury Law?

The injured party may have a set amount of time to file suit for a personal injury case. State law establishes statutes of limitation. Commonly, the plaintiff’s injury or discovery of the injury begins the statute of limitations. However, the latter factor is trickier, as the plaintiff will have to prove when the injury was first realized.

In Rhode Island, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally three years. The clock starts to tick from the date of the incident in Newport.

We recommend you speak with a personal injury lawyer for this matter. Don’t wait too long and miss out on receiving the compensation you deserve for your injury.

Work With an Experienced Newport, RI Lawyer

Pursue a personal injury claim in Newport against the responsible person if you are dealing with an injury caused by someone else. One of our experienced lawyers can help you navigate your personal injury claim. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Rhode Island state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!