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Suffering an injury because of someone else's negligence can be a frustrating ordeal, especially when you’re faced with medical bills, missed work, and uncertainty about what comes next. In Arizona, personal injury law allows victims to pursue compensation when someone else’s negligence causes harm. Understanding how personal injury claims work helps you make informed decisions and avoid mistakes that could reduce your recovery.
The legal team at Skousen Gulbrandsen & Patience PLC, has helped Arizona injury victims for decades. We take pride in educating our clients and helping you secure favorable outcomes. Our attorneys can explain every stage of a personal injury claim, from reporting the accident to negotiating a fair settlement, so you know what to expect every step of the way.
A personal injury claim is a legal process that allows someone who has been harmed by another person’s negligence or wrongdoing to recover compensation. These claims cover both physical and emotional injuries and aim to restore the victim as closely as possible to their pre-accident condition.
Personal injury claims in Arizona can arise from many different incidents, including:
The first step in any personal injury case is documenting the event. You should report the accident to the appropriate authority, such as the police, your employer, or the property owner, depending on where it occurred. A police report or official record can later serve as essential evidence.
It’s also important to gather your own documentation at the scene if possible. Take photos, record witness information, and note any visible hazards or vehicle damage.
Even if you think your injuries are minor, seek medical attention right away. Some injuries, like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft-tissue damage, don’t appear immediately. Medical records also play a vital role in proving that your injuries were caused by the accident and establishing the value of your claim.
Once you’ve received initial treatment, your attorney can file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. This begins the process of negotiating for compensation. Your claim will outline the facts of the incident, your injuries, and the financial and emotional losses you’ve suffered.
Under Arizona law (A.R.S. § 12-542), most personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline usually means losing the right to recover compensation. Certain exceptions exist for minors or cases where injuries weren’t immediately discovered, but these are limited and must be handled carefully by an experienced attorney.
Your attorney will begin a thorough investigation into the circumstances of your accident. This includes collecting medical records, accident reports, photos, surveillance footage, and witness statements. In complex cases, experts may be brought in to reconstruct the accident or provide testimony on medical or financial impacts.
This stage is critical because insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. Strong evidence can make the difference between a denied claim and a fair settlement.
Most personal injury cases are resolved through settlement negotiations rather than going to trial. Your attorney will communicate directly with the insurance adjuster to reach an agreement that fairly compensates you for your losses.
Arizona law allows accident victims to seek several forms of compensation, including:
There’s no fixed “average” payout for personal injury cases because every case is different. However, the total amount typically depends on the severity of injuries, insurance policy limits, and the strength of your evidence.
If settlement negotiations fail, your attorney may file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. Filing a lawsuit doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll go to trial. Many cases still settle afterward. Going before a judge can ensure your rights are protected within the legal deadline and increases pressure on the insurer to make a fair offer.
During trial preparation, your attorney handles depositions, discovery, expert testimony, and presentation of evidence. The goal is to prove liability, demonstrate the extent of your injuries, and secure full compensation for your losses.
The process of pursuing a personal injury claim can be lengthy and emotionally draining. Having an experienced law firm on your side ensures that you have a strong advocate who can navigate the system and maximize your recovery.
The attorneys at Skousen Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC, offer comprehensive support throughout every stage of your claim. We have helped injured families and individuals for over 60 years. We will help you with:
Our team has secured millions in compensation for clients throughout Mesa and the greater Phoenix area. We handle the legal process so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
If you’ve been injured in Arizona, you don’t have to face the claims process alone.
Contact us at (480) 833-8800 to schedule a confidential, free consultation. Our team is dedicated to helping you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve for your injuries.