How to sue for personal injury without an attorney

Filing a personal injury lawsuit on your own, without the help of an attorney, is commonly referred to as going “pro se.” While it is possible to sue for personal injury without an attorney, it is not recommended. Personal injury law can be complex and difficult to navigate, and representing yourself in a lawsuit can be challenging.

Here are some steps you can follow if you decide to proceed with a pro se personal injury lawsuit:

Determine if you have a valid claim: In order to sue for personal injury, you must have suffered an injury as a result of someone else’s negligence or intentional actions. It’s important to understand the elements of a personal injury claim and if they are present in your case.

Gather evidence: In order to prove your case, you will need to gather and preserve evidence that supports your claim. This may include medical records, eyewitness statements, and photographs of your injury.

Calculate your damages: You will need to determine the extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You can use medical bills and pay stubs to calculate your economic damages, and consider factors such as the severity of your injury and the impact it has had on your life when calculating non-economic damages.

File a complaint: In order to start a lawsuit, you will need to file a complaint in the appropriate court. The complaint should include a detailed description of the events leading up to your injury, a list of the defendants, and a demand for compensation for your damages.

Serve the defendant: Once you have filed your complaint, you will need to properly serve the defendant with a copy of the complaint. Service of process rules vary by state, so it is important to research and follow the correct procedure.

Respond to any motions or pleadings: Once the defendant has been served, they may file a response to your complaint. You may need to respond to any motions or pleadings filed by the defendant, and participate in discovery, which is the exchange of information between the parties.

Attend court hearings: If your case does not settle, you may need to attend court hearings, including a trial. At trial, you will have the opportunity to present your case and argue for compensation for your damages.

It is important to note that representing yourself in a personal injury lawsuit can be very challenging and time-consuming. The legal system can be complicated, and it can be difficult to navigate the various rules and procedures. Additionally, personal injury cases often involve complex legal and factual issues, and it can be difficult to effectively argue your case without the help of an experienced attorney.

For these reasons, it is generally recommended that individuals who have suffered a personal injury seek the assistance of a qualified personal injury attorney. An attorney can provide you with guidance and support throughout the legal process, and can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Keith D. Leshine Attorney At Law, LLC, located in Duluth, GA is an experienced personal injury law firm that can help you with your case.