How To Write A Demand Letter For Personal Injury Without Hiring A Lawyer?
The cost of filing and settling a personal injury lawsuit can be surprisingly high. After you have accounted for the cost of your legal counsel, you may be expected to pay thousands of dollars in exchange for representation. Of course, most personal injury attorneys do not charge for initial consultations or ongoing “maintenance” fees, and they will likely not bill you per hour. Instead, your attorney will generally require 25 to 35 percent of your case’s total award once the lawsuit is settled.
While this financial arrangement can appear favorable for the plaintiff, depending on the nature of your claim and the complexities involved in negotiating a suitable settlement, your lawyer’s take-home salary can equal out to be $500 an hour or more. In many cases, you may wish to pursue a claim on your own terms rather than work with a personal injury attorney.
It is possible for a diligent plaintiff to represent himself or herself during the trial process. While you will likely find the process of negotiating a settlement with the employer of someone who allegedly caused your injuries or with your insurance provider to be a fairly straightforward process, it can be exhausting and difficult to navigate the treacherous waters of a full-blown trial.
Still, if you are absolutely certain that you have the ability and determination to represent during a personal injury lawsuit, you will need to write a comprehensive “demand letter” that will outline your grievances to the soon-to-be defendant whom you will be facing in court. When composing the letter, make sure that it is specifically addressed to the future defendant, and if you’re filing a lawsuit related to a business matter, the document must be addressed to the claims department or principal owner of that business.
In addition, the demand letter must identify the group of individuals or the specific person whom you believe is responsible for causing your injuries, damages or condition. When composing the letter, make certain that you also include the extent and cost of your injury and the circumstances surrounding your injury as well as the dollar amount of damages that you are seeking in compensation. Do not forget to include your own contact information where you can be reached, and deliver the letter via certified mail so that you have confirmation of receipt. Retain a copy for your records, and avoid emailing and faxing your demand letter whenever possible.
