INJURED? START HERE
If you or a loved one has been injured, it is important that you know your legal rights and obligations and take steps, early on, to develop your personal injury claim. Why?
If your injury is serious, you may be unable to work, have significant medical expenses, and face an uncertain financial future. Your personal injury claim may mean the difference between a life of poverty and financial security. What you do early on makes a difference.
Don't take legal advice from non-lawyers. Especially, don't rely on the insurance company representatives to look out for your best interests. Speak with a personal injury lawyer you trust.
Know Your Legal Rights and Obligations
If you have been injured, it is essential that you understand your legal rights and obligations as soon as possible. There are time limits for making insurance claims and personal injury claims. There are things you may do, or fail to do, that can hurt you personal injury claim. You may be entitled to insurance coverage for rehabilitation and loss of income payments while you are off work.
If you were injured in a car accident, it is important that you notify your insurer as soon as possible. Soon after the accident, you will be contacted by insurance adjusters from your own insurance company and the insurance company of the other person. Both will want you to sign forms and give statements - don't do either without first speaking with a personal injury lawyer.
Most personal injury lawyers will give you a free consultation and will explain your legal rights. Many will come and visit you at your home or in the hospital. Take advantage of this. You are under no obligation to hire the lawyer.
What you should do to develop your claim:
What you do early on can make a big difference for your claim. A successful personal injury claim requires evidence. Some evidence, if not gathered early on, can be lost for ever. Memories fade over time. Following are things you or your family can do, early on, to develop your claim:
- Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses;
- take photographs of your injuries;
- take photographs of things that are related to the incident (e.g., damaged cars or property, area where your fall happened, the product or object that injured you, etc);
- keep a list of all the doctors or health professionals you have seen;
- keep a list of medical appointments you have gone to;
- keep a list of all medications you have taken;
- keep all receipts related to your injuries (e.g., travel expenses for medical appointments, parking, drugs, medical equipment, attendant care, etc);
- keep a list of all things people have done for you while you are injured (e.g., helping you around the house, driving you to appointments, etc);