If you’ve been injured in an accident, you’re probably wondering: Do I have a personal injury case? It’s a common and important question. Whether you were hurt in a car crash, slipped and fell at a store, or were injured due to someone else’s carelessness, understanding your rights is the first step toward getting the compensation you deserve.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the basics of what makes a valid personal injury case—and how to know when it’s time to talk to an attorney.
1. Was Someone Else Negligent?
At the heart of every personal injury case is negligence. In simple terms, this means someone failed to act with reasonable care, and that failure caused your injury.
Examples include:
- A driver texting behind the wheel and causing a crash.
- A store failing to clean up a spill that leads to a fall.
- A property owner ignoring broken stairs or unsafe conditions.
If your injury happened because someone didn’t take proper precautions, there’s a good chance negligence was involved.
2. Were You Injured?
In order to file a personal injury claim, there must be an actual injury. That could be:
- Physical (broken bones, whiplash, head trauma)
- Emotional (anxiety, PTSD, loss of enjoyment of life)
- Financial (medical bills, lost wages)
Even if your injuries don’t seem “major” right away, it’s worth getting checked out. Some symptoms appear days or weeks later, and medical records are crucial in proving your case.
3. Can Your Injury Be Linked to the Incident?
It’s not enough to be injured—you also need to show that the injury was caused by the accident or incident. Medical documentation, witness statements, photos, and expert testimony can help establish this connection.
4. Is There Insurance or an At-Fault Party Who Can Pay?
In most personal injury cases, compensation comes from an insurance policy—like auto, homeowner’s, or business liability insurance. Identifying who’s responsible and whether they’re covered is a key part of evaluating your case.
5. Did the Incident Happen Recently?
Every state has something called a statute of limitations, which sets a deadline for filing a personal injury claim. In many cases, that’s two years from the date of the injury, but it can vary depending on the type of case and where you live.
Waiting too long could mean losing your right to seek compensation—so don’t delay.
An Experienced Lawyer Can Make a Big Difference
Navigating a personal injury claim on your own can be overwhelming, especially when you’re recovering from an injury. An experienced attorney knows how to build a strong case, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Having the right legal representation can be the difference between a denied claim and a meaningful recovery.
Call Matthew M. Slowik, P.A. Today
If you’re unsure whether you have a valid case, don’t guess—get answers from a legal team that’s here for you. At Matthew M. Slowik, P.A., we’ve helped countless clients get the justice they deserve, and we’re ready to help you too.
📞 Call us today at (954) 913-1163
📧 Email: mslowik@slowiklaw.com