Understanding the Basics of Personal Injury Law in Mississippi
Personal injury law allows a private person to bring a claim against a company or person they accuse of negligence or other wrongful conduct that caused their injury.
In the state of Mississippi, most personal injury attorneys will accept cases on a contingency basis meaning that the attorney received a fee out of the amount recovered from the party at fault. Instead of taking a retainer up front or being paid an hourly amount, the attorney will receive a percentage of the proceeds from your case if and when you come to a settlement amount. If you lose your case, then you do not have to pay the attorney anything. Keep in mind that the primary goals of the right personal injury lawyer is to ensure that your rights are always protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
The state of Mississippi also places a deadline on the time for filing your personal injury claim. This is more commonly referred to as a Statute of Limitations. If you fail to file your claim by the deadline, you lose your right to sue the defendant. The Statute of Limitations varies depending upon the type of case or party at fault. The normal Statute of Limitations period is three years, but can be as short as one year. The key is to hire the services of an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Liability
If you have any intention of winning your personal injury case and getting compensated for your injuries, you must prove, according to Mississippi personal injury law that the defendant had a duty not to injure you but failed in that duty, the breach of duty caused your injuries, and you suffered damages.
Damages in a Personal Injury Case
Personal injury victims oftentimes ask what their case is worth. In a single word, the answer is “damages” – the emotional, mental, and physical cost of your injuries. In some cases, they will ask for the defendant’s conduct to be punished. Finally, there are 2 types of damages awarded in personal injury lawsuits – compensatory and punitive. The former is intended to make the injured person whole again while the latter punishes their behavior monetarily.
Call Us Today for a Free Consultation
Please contact Davis & Williams PLLC at 601-981-2800 or through our online form if you or a loved one has suffered personal injuries. Or initial consultation is free. Our firm represents those injured throughout the State of Mississippi. Our firm has the knowledge and experience needed to fight for all of your rights and help you to recover full and fair compensation. Let us help you.