Avoid These Mistakes When Seeking Compensation for Personal Injury

Consider these scenarios: a dog bite occurs because its owner failed to secure a dangerous dog, a patient faces complications from a doctor’s negligent misdiagnosis, a driver texting causes an accident, or an employee gets injured due to unsafe working conditions.

These are just a few examples of personal injury situations. In the US, such cases account for more than 31 million emergency room visits every year. Thankfully, the law provides relief to victims in the form of compensation. However, obtaining compensation can be challenging.

This is where the expertise of an experienced attorney comes into play. Personal injury attorneys have years of experience with the litigation and compensation procedures. This expertise can help you navigate the legal realm with ease. These experts, such as Rich Godshall, also make you understand the legal jargon in simple language. This is very important to make well-informed decisions.

That said, in this blog, we’ll outline the missteps to avoid after a personal injury, as they can diminish or even prevent you from receiving the compensation you deserve.

Waiting Too Long to File the Claim

One significant mistake people often make after enduring a personal injury is delaying their claim filing. Every US state has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, which establishes a specific time frame for filing your claim.

Miss this window without filing, and you could lose your opportunity to pursue compensation altogether. Therefore, initiating the lawsuit process as soon as possible after the injury is advisable.

Failing to Seek Medical Attention

Evidence is the cornerstone of any personal injury case. Medical records are essential, demonstrating that you suffered injuries requiring medical care.

Refraining from getting medical attention promptly or delaying a doctor’s visit can harm your claim. The defense might argue that if you waited for treatment, your injuries might not be severe.

Settling Too Early

When dealing with insurance companies, remember they are businesses first. Their primary aim is to maximize profits, which often means minimizing payouts.

A common mistake many victims make is accepting the initial offer, which frequently falls short of what they rightly deserve. Instead of rushing, it’s wise to exercise patience and negotiate with these companies to secure a just settlement.

Failing to Work with a Lawyer

Opting to refrain from engaging a lawyer can significantly harm your case. Lawyers possess vast knowledge of these topics, which is especially useful when navigating the intricacies of negotiations with insurance companies.

Moreover, they gather and present evidence that pinpoints the responsible party. The cherry on top? Most personal injury lawyers don’t charge upfront; they take a cut from your compensation should you win the case.

Failing to Collect or Preserve Evidence

The journey toward compensation starts right after the incident. Gathering evidence, such as witness contact details and photos of the accident scene, is crucial.

Furthermore, records of medical bills and any other costs associated with the accident must always be retained. Neglecting this step or misplacing your collected evidence can hurt your claim.

Assuming Your Claim Doesn’t Qualify

Many mistakenly believe their case doesn’t fall under personal injury. However, this decision should be left to legal professionals. Attorneys can evaluate your situation, identify the responsible party, and ascertain the appropriate compensation. They will let you know if pursuing the claim is worthwhile and whether the compensation will be sufficient.

Conclusion

In summary, these are some pitfalls to avoid when pursuing personal injury compensation. Enlisting the knowledge of a personal injury lawyer can be invaluable. They can act as a guide throughout the process to help you secure the compensation you deserve. But, always remember, the first meeting with your personal injury lawyer is extremely important. These let you understand their style better and how well they comprehend the intricacies of your case. This way, you can rest assured that your lawyer is the best legal representative for your situation.