A personal injury lawsuit can be a daunting process, especially if it proceeds to a jury trial. Personal injury attorneys play an integral role in this process, guiding the plaintiff through each step and ensuring they understand what to expect.
The first thing you should know about a jury trial is that it doesn’t occur immediately after filing your lawsuit. Instead, there’s a period of discovery where both parties gather evidence and information about the case. This phase can take several months or even years depending on the complexity of the case. Your attorney will work diligently during this time to build your case by collecting documents, depositions, medical records, and any other relevant information.
Next comes pre-trial motions where attorneys from both sides argue before a judge about what evidence and testimony should be allowed at trial. These motions can greatly influence the trajectory of your case as they determine what jurors will hear and see during the trial.
Once all preliminary matters are resolved, your case proceeds to trial. The first stage involves selecting jurors for your case in a process known as voir dire. Both attorneys question potential jurors to uncover any biases or prejudices that could impact their decision-making ability.
Following jury selection is opening statements from both sides outlining their respective cases briefly without arguing them fully yet. This gives jurors an idea of what they’ll hear throughout the course of proceedings.
After opening statements come witness testimonies and presenting evidence – arguably one of the most critical parts of any personal injury trial. Here, both sides present their arguments in full detail with supporting evidence which may include medical records, expert witnesses’ opinions, pictures from accident scenes among others.
Once all evidence has been presented by both sides through witness testimonies or exhibits; closing arguments follow where each side summarizes its position while trying to persuade jurors towards their viewpoint based on presented facts so far.
Finally comes jury deliberation – arguably one of most nerve-wracking stages for plaintiffs because it’s when they wait for verdict. Jurors retreat to a private room where they discuss the case and make their decision based on the evidence presented.
It’s important to note that jury trials can be unpredictable, with outcomes hinging on how effectively attorneys present their cases and how jurors interpret the evidence. This unpredictability underscores the importance of having an experienced personal injury attorney by your side who knows how to navigate these complex proceedings and advocate for your best interests.
In conclusion, while a personal injury jury trial can be a lengthy and complicated process, it is often necessary in order to achieve justice for victims. Understanding what to expect at each stage can help alleviate some of the stress associated with this process, but having an expert personal injury attorney by your side is absolutely essential.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
227 Penn Ave, Scranton, PA 18503
15708654699
