An injury can seriously disrupt your life, sometimes permanently. Any physical or mental injury that’s the result of another person or party’s negligent behavior or harmful intentions may qualify for a personal injury case. If you can show that your injury was caused by someone else’s actions or inactions, you could have a personal injury case.

Craig Swapp & Associates understand how frustrating it can be to know that your suffering could have been avoided, and are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Below are some of the questions we frequently hear, but you can always reach out to us for personalized answers on how we can help your personal injury claim succeed. 

What types of personal injury claims do you accept?

Personal injury can cover a wide range of injury types. The key detail is that someone injured you with their negligence, and you’re due compensation. 

If you are unsure whether your injury could qualify for a personal injury case, the first step is to contact a reliable attorney in your area. Below is just a sample of the claim types we tackle: 

What should I do after I’m injured?

If you have been in an accident, whether it be a workplace accident or a slip-and-fall, the first step is to seek medical attention. Even if you feel uninjured directly after the fact, your body may not be receiving signals properly.

Once you are safe and have been checked over by a medical professional, the next step following an accident is to collect evidence. Take as many photos of the scene of the accident as you can, from as many angles as possible. Collect and neatly file any relevant communications, such as texts, emails, and letters.

Then, contact an attorney. Your lawyer can help you get the answers you need for a personal injury claim. 

How long do I have to file a personal injury case in Wyoming?

In Wyoming, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is four years. That means you have four years to file a claim, with the countdown beginning from the date of your injury. To clarify, your case doesn’t need to be completed within four years. You just must file your claim in a Wyoming court in that timespan.

However, if there is a criminal element to your personal injury case, you may have more time. If you’ve filed a claim but the criminal trial is ongoing, your claim is paused until you’re able to take your claim to court. Your attorney can help you determine how much time you will have to file based on your circumstances.

What damages am I eligible for?

There are two types of damages that can be recovered in a personal injury case: economic and non-economic. Economic damages have a clear price tag attached: for example, medical bills, invoices from the mechanic for car repair, or wages lost from being forced to take time off work. Non-economic damages are more abstract and deal with concepts such as pain and suffering.

The damages available for your case are heavily dependent on your circumstances, and the severity of your injuries. For example, if you have broken your arm due to a workplace accident, but are expected to fully recover within a few months, your compensatory damages will likely be less than someone who has been permanently paralyzed and has a grimmer prognosis.

What are punitive damages? 

Not every claim is eligible for punitive damages, but they may be important to your recovery if you were injured by someone’s gross negligence or intent to harm you. These damages are meant to punish the at-fault party and deter others from doing the same, not to compensate you. Talk to your lawyer if you believe you’re eligible for these damages. 

What if I’m partly at fault for the injuries I’ve suffered? 

When you’re hurt in an accident, you may have been partly responsible for that accident. While you may not have been completely at fault, the value of your claim may be reduced by the amount you’re found at fault for. For example, if you accept 20 percent of the fault, you may receive only 80 percent of the compensation you’re due. 

That can make recovery difficult. Luckily, your lawyer can help you reduce fault and maximize the funds you receive for your injuries. 

Reach Out to a Personal Injury Attorney in Wyoming

If you or someone you love has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to find out what your options are. Craig Swapp & Associates understands how difficult this time is, which is why we offer free consultations. Call 1-800-404-9000 today to see what our experienced attorneys can do for you.