Personal injury refers to physical or psychological harm caused to an individual due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another person or entity. Examples of personal injuries include car accidents, medical malpractice, and slip-and-fall accidents.
Individuals who have suffered a personal injury may be entitled to compensation for their losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What to do if you have a personal injury?
Seek medical attention as soon as possible
Seeking medical attention as soon as possible is critical, even if your injuries seem minor. Not only will this help ensure that you receive appropriate and timely treatment, but it will also create a medical record of your injuries.
This can be important if you decide to seek compensation for your losses. It’s important to have a detailed record of when, where, and how the injuries occurred, this will help the doctor to give an accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
Document the incident and your injuries
Documenting the incident and your injuries can be important for several reasons.
- Photos of the scene can help establish the conditions that led to your injury and provide visual evidence of the accident.
- Contact information from any witnesses can be useful in case you need to call on them to testify about what they saw.
- Keeping a record of all medical treatment you receive, including the date, time, location, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, can help establish the extent of your injuries and the related expenses.
All of these pieces of evidence can be crucial if you decide to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
Contact an attorney who specializes in personal injury law
An attorney specializing in personal injury law, such as Maria Gerber, can help you understand your rights and guide you through seeking compensation. They will be able to evaluate your case and determine the best course of action, whether that be negotiating a settlement with the other party’s insurance company or filing a lawsuit.
An attorney can also help you navigate the legal system, which can be complicated and confusing, especially if you are dealing with an injury or the loss of a loved one. They will handle all the communication and negotiation with the insurance companies and will be able to advise you on the best strategy to get the compensation you deserve.
Furthermore, they can help you understand the statute of limitations, which is the time limit you can file a claim, which varies from state to state.
Be careful about what you say and to whom
It’s important to be careful about what you say and to whom, especially concerning a personal injury case.
- Avoid discussing the incident with anyone other than your attorney. Insurance companies may contact you and ask you to give a statement. They may also try to negotiate a settlement with you. It’s important to remember that anything you say to them can be used against you later on. Instead, refer them to your attorney.
- Avoid posting about the incident on social media. Anything you post on social media can be used as evidence in your case. Insurance companies and the opposing party’s attorney will likely look at your social media accounts to try and find information that can be used against you.
It’s important to remember that anything you say or post can be taken out of context or used to show that you were not as injured as you claim. It’s always best to consult your attorney before discussing your case with anyone or posting about it on social media.
Keep track of expenses related to the injury
Keeping track of expenses related to the injury can help you to determine the total amount of damages you are entitled to.
- Medical bills: Keep all receipts, bills, and records of any medical treatment you receive, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and medications.
- Lost wages: Keep records of any time you have to take off work due to your injury, including pay stubs or a letter from your employer.
- Other costs: Keep records of any other expenses you incur resulting from your injuries, such as transportation costs, home modifications, or equipment needed for recovery.
By keeping accurate records of your expenses, you will be better prepared to present your claim to the insurance company or the court if you need to file a lawsuit. This will also help your attorney to build a strong case and to negotiate a fair settlement for you.
File a claim or a lawsuit on time
Each state has a time limit in which you can file a personal injury claim, known as the statute of limitations. This time limit varies depending on the state and the type of injury. For example, in some states, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is two years, while it may be longer or shorter in others.
It’s important to act quickly once you have been injured in order to file your claim within the statute of limitations. Failing to file a claim within the statute of limitations can result in your claim being barred, meaning you can’t pursue legal action.
An attorney specializing in personal injury law will be familiar with the statute of limitations in your state and can advise you on the appropriate time to file a claim. They can also help you file the claim timely and avoid any technicalities that could cause your claim to be denied.
Key Takeaway
By following these steps, you can protect yourself and your rights while you focus on recovering from your injuries. It will also give you the best chance of receiving fair and just compensation for your losses.
You must not forget that hiring an experienced personal injury attorney should be the first step following a personal injury. A personal injury attorney can give you the best chance of receiving fair and just compensation for your losses.
An experienced attorney will have a thorough understanding of personal injury law and can help you navigate the legal process, from filing a claim to negotiating a settlement or taking your case to trial. They can conduct investigations, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. They will also be able to assess the value of your case and help you understand the potential outcomes.