Do You Have a Case?
People who have been in an accident, injured by a product, or hurt some other way must decide whether to make a claim or sue. The decision is usually difficult. However, considering a few key factors can make it easier.

Fault
For your case to be won, a person or a business must be at fault. They must have done something wrong or failed to do something which has resulted in financial loss and/or injury to you. In many states, a suit can be brought even if you are partly to blame for your injuries. For you to win your suit, the other side must be partly or mostly at fault.

Damages
In addition to someone else being at fault, you must have suffered damages. “Actual damages” is money you lost, such as medical bills you incurred or wages lost because you missed work, and compensation of any injuries you may have received.In most states, if the party you sue acted intentionally or was grossly negligent, you may be able to recover “punitive damages,” which punishes the other party. In many cases, “punitive damages” can exceed “actual damages.”

As indicated above, many states let you recover damages even if you are partly to blame for your injuries. Your damages may be reduced by the court for the percentage you are at fault. For example, if you fall on a slippery floor and suffer $100,000 in damages but are 30% at fault, your damages will be reduced by 30%, so you would collect $70,000.

Deciding whether to make a claim or sue is not easy. But with an qualified attorney’s help and by evaluating the above factors, people with claims can often find out in advance if they may have a winning case.