What Happens After Your Personal Injury Lawsuit Is Filed
After a lawsuit is filed, the next steps depend on service, the defendant's response, court orders and the issues in dispute. This guide focuses on the practical tasks clients may encounter. It is not a calendar for your particular case.
Confirm how the office will reach you
Keep your contact information current and check secure messages. Litigation can involve requests that require your response before a formal deadline. Tell the office immediately if you will be unavailable or need help accessing documents.
Forward every lawsuit-related document you receive, including notices, subpoenas and insurer letters. Do not assume the office received another copy.
Help identify parties and evidence
Information about a defendant's address, employer, business identity or vehicle may be useful. Share what you know without contacting a represented opposing party to investigate the case yourself.
Preserve photos, messages, recordings and documents. If an item has been repaired, lost or discarded, tell counsel what happened and when. Do not attempt to recreate evidence or alter a record.
Prepare for written discovery
You may receive questions and requests for records. Keep the numbering, address each part and identify missing information. Your attorney evaluates objections and prepares the formal response with the information you provide.
Review the final factual responses carefully before signing a verification. Tell us if an answer is incomplete, inaccurate or based on an estimate.
Prepare for testimony and other proceedings
Your deposition may be scheduled. Other events, including an examination or inspection, may also be proposed. Forward the notice and wait for guidance about arrangements, scope and your participation.
Discuss medical, language, disability, transportation or technology needs early. Do not wait until the day of an event to report a problem you already know about.
Keep damages information current
Send new treatment information, employment changes and accident-related expenses. Tell us about improvement as well as worsening symptoms. A later incident can affect the investigation and should be disclosed promptly.
If you receive a new bill or reimbursement claim, preserve the notice and ask how it should be handled.
Understand settlement and trial decisions
Court dates do not prevent settlement discussions, and an offer does not mean every issue has been resolved. Ask what the proposal covers, what remains uncertain and how deductions may affect the net recovery.
If preparation for trial is needed, the office will discuss the tasks that apply. Ask what is expected of you and avoid relying on a general online timeline for scheduling or financial planning.
General educational information from The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates. Follow your attorney’s instructions for your case. Reading this guide does not create an attorney-client relationship.
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The Law offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates has almost 3 decades of experience handling personal injury cases all over the state of California. We have handled thousands of cases and obtained millions of dollars in settlements and judgments for our clients. Call now for a no pressure free consultation with an actual attorney. 800-816-1529 extension 1.
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About Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez
- California personal injury lawyer and trial attorney
- Military veteran and advocate for injured victims
- Nearly 30 years of experience representing clients statewide
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