Getting injured in an accident is the worst feeling ever. This mishappening comes with many financial and mental burdens because medical bills pile up and recovery takes time. Another thing that adds up to this is, that you have to deal with insurance companies which feels like an uphill battle.
Whether you are considering filing a personal injury claim or you have an ongoing claim, you might have several questions running in your mind. We are here to answer those questions and simplify the process for you.
What to Expect During a Free Consultation?
Why do you think people choose free consultation services? So that they could make out if they qualify for a claim. In general, these free sessions last around 60 minutes. However, they are allowed to extend the session if the discussion requires more time.
If you are heading for the free consultation, here are a few questions that you can note down and ask your injury lawyer.
- What experience do you have with personal injury cases?
Once you know about the lawyer’s background in handling similar cases as yours, you can have a clear insight into their familiarity with relevant laws and expertise.
- What are the chances of my case succeeding?
You can request an evaluation of your case. Know about the strengths, weaknesses, and probability of a favourable outcome.
- How will my case be managed?
Learn about the lawyer’s approach, including how they will investigate, collect evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies.
- How will my case be managed?
Learn about the lawyer’s approach, including how they will investigate, collect evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies.
- How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether they operate on a contingency fee basis—where they only get paid if you win—or if there are other billing arrangements.
- What additional costs might arise during my claim?
Ask about possible expenses, such as court fees, expert witness costs, and administrative charges, and how these will be handled.
- How long will the legal process take?
Get an estimate of the timeframe from filing a personal injury claim to reaching a settlement or receiving a court verdict.
- How will I be updated on my case?
Understand how often you can expect communication and what methods the lawyer uses to keep clients informed.
- What are the possible outcomes, and how will they affect me?
Discuss different potential results and their impact on your financial and personal situation.
- Have you handled similar cases before?
Inquire about past cases that resemble yours and the results the lawyer has achieved.
- What does the legal process involve?
Gain a general overview of the steps in a personal injury claim, including any obstacles you might encounter.
- Are there specific actions I should take or avoid?
Seek advice on best practices to protect your interests and ensure a smooth legal process.
Getting a free consultation is the most appropriate way to find out if the lawyer you are approaching is the right fit for your case. And if you already know what to ask him, you can make an informed decision.
The Personal Injury Legal Process
Step 1: Initial Consultation
At NKS Injury Legal, we offer free first consultations to help you understand your legal options.
Things to Keep Before Visiting Us For a Consultation
We advise you to keep the following information ready before coming:
- We will your full details like your name, phone, number, address, and Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Keep a valid photo ID and your insurance details
- Witness statements, relevant paperwork, and police reports, if any to help us establish your claim
- All the concerns or inquiries you may have regarding your case
What Questions Will Be Asked in My Consultation?
- Where and how did the incident occur? What were you doing at the time? What did you see or feel?
- Did you have any prior medical conditions? What injuries did you sustain, both physically and emotionally? Have you seen a doctor or undergone treatment? If so, what type and with whom?
- Do you have insurance coverage? Who is your Section B insurer? Do you have information about the other parties involved
- For employees: What is your job title, employer’s name, work schedule, and any missed work days due to the accident?
- For students: What is your school’s name, and how many days of classes have you missed?
Once injury lawyers have the information about all this in detail, they can better determine if you have a valid claim. Some people immediately proceed with the claim, while others take their time to decide. And there’s no need to rush – making a wise decision is all that matters. Also, if you choose us, you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.
Step 2: Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
Ready to move forward with your claim? Hiring a personal injury lawyer is the next step. At NKS Injury Legal, we make it easy with our contingency fee basis—no upfront costs and you only pay if you win. Curious about the costs? Don’t worry, we cover case-related expenses along the way.
Step 3: Pre-Litigation
What is Pre-Litigation and How Do I Prepare for It?
Pre-litigation is the period after you’ve hired your lawyer but before the other party gets their lawyer involved. During this time, we’re working with the other party’s insurance representative to gather important information like:
- Medical records and reports
- Loss of income details
- Out-of-pocket expenses due to your injuries
We’ll also help you access any Section B or third-party insurance benefits you may be entitled to. Your lawyer will regularly update you and review the evidence to determine a fair compensation amount.
How long does pre-litigation last?
It can vary. Some cases wrap up in a few weeks, while others may take years. In some situations, the claim is resolved during pre-litigation. If the other party hires a lawyer or refuses to offer fair compensation, we’ll file a Statement of Claim to keep your case moving forward. If they don’t respond fairly, we can push forward with litigation.
Step 4: Litigation
What is Litigation?
Litigation is the formal legal process that begins once the other party (the defendant) files their Statement of Defense. This stage marks the transition from pre-litigation to a more structured legal process, where your claim is actively pursued in court.
During litigation, your legal team will engage in the exchange of information, documents, and evidence with the other side. We may need to conduct depositions, gather more expert testimony, and participate in settlement negotiations. Essentially, this phase is where your case is officially presented, and we work hard to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Step 5: Settlement – Case Closed!
What can I expect during my injury settlement?
Once your case is ready to settle, we’ll reach out to schedule a meeting with you. During this meeting, we’ll go over the final paperwork, provide a breakdown of the settlement funds, and discuss how you’d like to receive your payment—either by direct deposit or a cheque.
While many injury claims are settled out of court in under three years, every case is unique. The timeline can vary depending on factors like the complexity of the accident, the number of parties involved, the severity of your injuries, and how long it takes you to reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).
Conclusion & Next Steps
We get it—navigating a personal injury claim can feel like a lot. But don’t worry, you don’t have to face it alone. From your first free consultation to the final settlement, we’re here to walk you through every step. Our goal is to make the process as smooth as possible so you can focus on healing.Do you have questions or are you ready to get started? Let’s chat! Reach out to NKS Injury Legal today for your free consultation. We’ll work together to get you the compensation you deserve, and make sure you feel supported along the way.
