A person who suffers an injury due to the actions of another may have a right to recover damages. Consulting with an attorney regarding the nature of the accident, the injuries (to person or property), and any other relevant elements of the situation may allow you to better understand your legal rights and the options available for possible compensation.
If you are pursuing compensation through the courts in a Medford injury case, there are a number of necessary pre-trial steps that are time-sensitive and could require a great deal of care to complete. An experienced personal injury attorney could guide you through these Medford injury pre-trial steps and help reduce the stress a trial may create.
Filing a Complaint
After determining that a lawsuit is the best possible route for recovery, a complaint must be filed with the relevant court. This document provides an overview of the factual and legal basis for the claim against the defendant. The most common legal basis for recovery in personal injury cases is negligence.
Once the plaintiff in a personal injury cases files their complaint, the defendant will be served notice, meaning they will be made aware of the lawsuit against them. The defendant then has two options: file an answer with the court affirming, denying, or claiming insufficient information for each claim in the complaint, or file a motion to dismiss.
If a motion to dismiss is filed and denied, the defendant will be forced to file an answer to the complaint. Additionally, the defendant may make counterclaims in their answer. In this scenario, the plaintiff must file an answer to address the counterclaims.
Discovery
Once the plaintiff lodges their complaint with the correct court, the court notifies the defendant, and both parties file their respective answers, the process of discovery begins.
Discovery can be one of the most time-consuming Medford injury case pre-trial steps. During this period, each party obtains and exchanges information relating to the case. This can include accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and other such documentation.
Generally, discovery in Medford personal injury cases should take no more than 300 days. Cases founded on other legal theories such as products liability or medical malpractice have longer periods of discovery. If needed, the court may also allow the parties to extend discovery beyond these statutory limits under certain circumstances.
Interrogatories and Depositions
Discovery will also likely entail answering interrogatories. These are written questions relating to the accident, the injuries sustained, the extent of damages, and other such information. A deposition is also likely to occur, during which both parties must answer questions under oath.
Answering interrogatories and participating in depositions is mandatory and usually best done under the counsel of a competent personal injury attorney to minimize inadvertent errors during the process.
Non-Binding Pre-Trial Arbitration
In Medford, the last pre-trial step is non-binding arbitration. This step, scheduled by the court, is a form of alternative dispute resolution wherein all parties will argue their case with a neutral arbitrator who will make a non-binding decision regarding a settlement for the case. Both parties then have 30 days to accept or decline the decision. If declined, the court will schedule a trial date.
Lawyer’s Role in Medford Injury Case Pre-Trial Steps
In many respects, plaintiffs win or lose lawsuits in pre-trial preparation. Effectively drafting your complaint, engaging in thoughtful and thorough discovery, and expertly guiding you through the twists and turns of every pre-trial step is among the many responsibilities of our personal injury attorneys.
If you suffered a personal injury, a lawyer could assist you in navigating your Medford injury case pre-trial steps. Call today to get started on your case.
Testimonials
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This team is incredible. They are friendly and knowledgeable. I appreciate everything they have done for me and would recommend them to anyone. Overall great experience
Testimonial from Paul D. -
My case settled recently after lasting 4 years. Grungo and Colarulo’s law firm were able to secure a large settlement award for my slip and fall accident. This money will help secure my future for the permanent injury I received as a result of the slip and fall. Everyone was very caring, and kept me informed throughout the entire process. Christine Lafferty is an excellent litigation lawyer. I highly recommend using them if you have been injured or in an accident. I hope I am never in a situation again to need their services, but I know who to go to if I, or any of my family members are ever injured. Thanks Grungo and Colarulo and staff for your compassionate service!
Testimonial from Pamela A. -
Thank you so much Grungo and Colarulo for helping me with my case. Special thanks to Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team. Erica Domingo and her team was very nice and helped me tremendously throughout my case like more than one year and half. They gave me the right advice and guided me through every step of my case. They gave me prompt and clear responses to all my questions. In addition, Erica and her team provided me with all the what if scenarios so that I can have a clear vison of the steps ahead.
I would definitely recommend Grungo and Colarulo.
Thanks again Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team
Testimonial from Ahmed A. -
My wife and I reached out to Grungo Colarulo in 2020 for advise on a legal matter. After a meeting with the Attorney and Paralegal, we decided to go forward with a case. This case required a lot of documentation, and expert review of the documentation which was aquired. Throughout the process, we were kept up to date monthly, and Grungo Colarulo was always responsive to any questions that we had. The entire staff at Grungo Colarulo are very professional, caring, and willing to go the extra mile. This firm is a definite recommend!
Testimonial from Patrick G. -
I left five (5) stars only because that’s as many as I could leave. If I could, I would have left 100 stars. Bob & Christine are the absolute best! My settlement far exceeded what I ever imagined. They are professional, friendly, and really listened to what I had to say. They kept me up to date with the progress of my case every step of the way. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Testimonial from Sheila L. -
Very professional, communicates well, makes me feel like they have my best interest at heart, and overall just a great company. Christine and the whole team has been on top of everything. Would definitely recommend!! 10/10
Testimonial from Michael M. -
First and foremost I would like to thank the whole team at Grungo Colarulo!! In addition to that, Stephanie & Riley & Drenna have done such an outstanding job taking care of me in such a difficult and low point of my life. I was in a bad car accident & did not know how to move forward with what to do and how to process. Those ladies were there every step, every inch, every mile & beyond with helping me when I had no idea how to navigate. I will forever be thankful for them and for the outcome of my case! If you ever need assistance I highly recommend this practice!!! Beyond professional, helpful, precise, caring, knowledgeable & humble!!!
Testimonial from Rachel F. -
From my first phone call to the end of my case this firm was on the ball!! Always responsive and professional and kept me up to date and informed. This is my firm for any future needs!
Testimonial from Jeffrey F. -
This was my first time ever having to have a lawyer for an automobile accident. From the beginning they took care of everything. They put me at ease so I could concentrate on my medical needs. Everyone I spoke to during the process were always extremely pleasant and knowledgeable.
Thank you to Grungo Colarulo for representing me and getting the settlement you did to help me move forward. I would highly recommend Grungo Colarulo to anyone who wants outstanding legal representation.Testimonial from Pat G. -
This team has been nothing but gentle an generous. Being as this was my first time dealing with a worker’s compensation case I was lost and nervous. But the Grungo Colarulo team has made me feel as comfortable as possible. My needs were addressed with care in a timely fashion. I knew what was going on every step of the way.
Oh, did I mention, WE WON …This teams knowledge of the industry is TOP NOTCH!
Testimonial from Aminah M. -
A dear family friend referred us to a young attorney named Rich Grungo, Jr. We wanted answers and if necessary, justice for our father. From day one of a five-year journey, Mr. Rich Grungo, Jr. made our family and our pain his own. The man never stopped working for us. He kept us informed every step of the way. Questions were answered quickly and with great compassion and expertise. Even though Rich was always busy, he was never too busy for us. We always felt like we were his only clients
Testimonial from Mickey -
I had the opportunity to observe Mr. Grungo work in this case, both in the courtroom on the technical matters of the motions and also as his presentation to the jury in opening and presenting witnesses as well as utilizing animations… and drawings and films that were necessary for a proper understanding of the case…At all times during the presentation, Mr. Grungo operated mostly without notes and questioned the witnesses in a conversational manner which made it most effective. **
New Jersey Superior Court Judge Testimonial -
Thank you for everything. I honestly felt like you treated my son like he was your own son, for that I am grateful. I would recommend your services to anyone. Thanks for being so awesome to both of us.
Testimonial from HD -
It was a pleasure working with Bill. He constantly kept me informed. I would recommend Bill and his firm to anybody I know. They’ll be in good hands.
Testimonial from Gregory -
I had the opportunity to retain Mr. Colarulo for a vehicle accident I encountered. I give him my highest recommendation for anyone in need of an excellent Personal Injury Attorney. Not only does he have an in depth knowledge of the legal field, but he emanates a sense of trust-worthiness that makes you feel secure during the entire process. Mr. Colarulo has the knowledge, drive and enthusiasm that will get the job done for you. He comes highly recommended.
Testimonial from Denise -
Hi Rich, Well I’m on my way up to college to finish packing my son’s stuff up and to go to his Graduation tomorrow. It’s hard to believe how fast and how slow, at the same time 5 years can go by. I was just thinking of you as I am getting ready to leave and wanted to thank you once again for everything you have done for my son’s future. You are a good and just man. God Bless to you and your family.
Be Well,
Testimonial from Bob
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