Every injury case progresses at a different pace. This is true no matter what caused your injury. But whether it’s a car accident in Fresno, a slip-and-fall at a store in Bakersfield, you could end up going into litigation.
What Does Litigation Mean in a Personal Injury Case?
Litigation is:
- Just the formal way of saying: “filing a lawsuit.”
It’s not a different type of claim—it’s just the next step when the insurance process hits a wall. In practical terms, though, litigation works very differently from a basic insurance claim. You might need to file a lawsuit when:
- You want a neutral third-party—a California judge or jury—to decide what their case is actually worth.
- The insurance company won’t budge, keeps undervaluing the injuries, or isn’t taking the full impact on your life seriously.
When you decide litigation is the right move, the process follows a general sequence:
- Filing the Complaint. This is where it all begins. We’ll work with you to prepare a formal document laying out what happened, who’s responsible, and what you’re asking for. Once it’s filed with the court, the case officially exists.
- Serving the Defendant. The person or business you’re suing has to be notified. A process server or another approved method delivers the paperwork so they have a fair chance to respond.
- Notice of Appearance. Once they’re served, their lawyer usually steps in and lets the court know they’re representing them.
- Defendant’s Answer. The defendant then files a written response called an “Answer.” They might agree with some parts, deny others, or raise defenses. If they simply ignore the lawsuit—which doesn’t happen often—you can move toward a default judgment.
After that, the case heads into discovery, negotiation, motions, and sometimes trial. No two cases look exactly alike, which is why having someone experienced guiding you through the process can make such a difference.
Maison Law Helps People Through Personal Injury Cases in California
When you need to go through litigation to get financial support with your injuries, it’s pretty overwhelming. On top of trying to keep up with medical treatment, work, and other problems, you’re also facing the long and challenging process of filing a lawsuit. That’s when you need help, and that’s where our team at Maison Law can help you by:
- Handling the litigation process from start to finish
- Gathering evidence and building a strong case as things move along.
- Staying on top of motions and other filings.
- Preparing your case for trial if that becomes necessary
Throughout the whole process, our team will keep you updated and informed. Set up a free consultation today.
