Personal injury lawsuits unfold differently depending on the specifics of the case, but there is a basic structure to which all cases adhere. Essentially, there are several stages in personal injury claims that either result in a pre-trial settlement or a trial verdict. Understanding what to expect when it comes to the lawsuit can help take some of the stress out of the process. Your personal injury attorney can represent you every step of the way, as well as answer any questions or address any concerns. Here are the basic stages a personal injury lawsuit may include: