How do you file an injury lawsuit without a lawyer?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
How do you file an injury lawsuit without a lawyer?
I fell and injured my knee at a motel around 11 months ago and had surgery done and loss of work. And because I refused to go to the hospital when the ambulance was there I would like to file a lawsuit before the statues of limitations is up. Can you please tell me what steps I have to take?
Asked on June 19, 2012 under Personal Injury, New Jersey
Answers:
William Hayes / The Hayes Law Firm
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
The object of filing a lawsuit is to win it. I agree that you must preserve your claim within the statute of limitations or you will forever be barred from bringing your claim. If you believe you can bring a viable claim without an attorney I would strongly disagree. It is difficult to tell from your question what your theory of liability is or if you could establish a nexus between your injury and the fall. Remember the plaintiff has the burden of proving each and every essential element of their case or their claim will likely be dismissed. The short answer to your question is to contact the Clerk of the Superior Court in the county where your fall occurred to find out the procedure for filing a Civil Claim pro se. My recommendation would be for you to find a plaintiff's attorney in your area who specializes in premises liability to investigate your claim ASAP. Plaintiff's personal injury attorneys usually work on a contingent fee basis should they find merit to your claim which means they charge you a percentage only if they're successful. I'm active in various trial lawyer associations and can help you find a local qualified attorney to look your case over if you would like. All the Best, Bill Hayes
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.