Personal injury cases can develop out of anything from a car accident to medical malpractice. They can cause breaks, fractures, pains, strains, and even traumatic brain injury.
Filing a personal injury claim allows you to pursue the compensation that you are eligible for, which may include medical bills, lost wages, loss of potential income, pain and suffering, property damage, and more.
Your claim may be clear cut and compelling, but that doesn’t mean that you’ll win your case. Many credible personal injury claims personal injury cases have been sandbagged by unfortunate missteps.
As you work through the personal injury claim process, here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Inconsistent treatment. People have busy lives, and they sometimes prioritize getting back to work or family matters ahead of getting proper treatment, even though they are still suffering. It is important to receive consistent medical care until the injuries are fully healed.
- Inadequate documentation. What you know matters less than what you can prove. One of the best ways to build your case is by thoroughly documenting your personal injury directly after it occurs. You should enlist the police in your effort by having them file a report in the wake of the accident. Police are seen as trustworthy third-parties and can corroborate the particulars of your case. Keep a detailed daily diary, explaining how your injury affects you over time.
- Questionable social media posts. It can be easy to get caught up in documenting daily activities on social media without considering the ramifications. Remember that your posts could potentially be used as evidence against your claim. Even if you’re not doing anything wrong, remember that your insurance company could try to take your posts out of context to hurt your case.
- Loose lips. You will have many opportunities to share the story surrounding your personal injury claim, including with an insurance adjuster. Remember that the things you say can be used against you. Avoid speculating or sharing anything other than the facts. For best results, request that you delay the conversation until you have a lawyer present to guide you. Once spoken, words cannot be retracted.
- Downplaying injuries. If you’re used to playing it tough, it may be out of your comfort zone to dwell on the difficulties posed by your injury. But if you give the impression that your injuries aren’t bothering you when in reality they haven’t fully healed, the insurance company may reduce or dismiss your claim. A stiff upper lip may have its place, but not if it is jeopardizing your chance of getting the benefits that you are eligible for.
- Going it alone. Personal injury laws change rapidly, so it’s vital to work with an experienced attorney to help you navigate the intricacies of the system. An attorney can guide you through the mass of fine print that you will have to wade through so that you do not sign important rights away. And if your trial goes to court, having an experienced lawyer by your side can add credence to your case.
Whether you need a car accident injury attorney in Henderson or a dog bite lawyer in North Las Vegas, Tingey Injury Law Firm can help. We have been rooted in Las Vegas since 1969 and are well-equipped to take on large, complex cases. We can ensure that you get fairly compensated and keep you comfortable throughout the process.
It is bad enough to get injured and suffer harm from an accident, but when someone is at fault and you don’t get indemnified for your suffering, it is devastating. Avoiding common mistakes when filing a personal injury claim is key to winning your case. Know more about these mistakes in this infographic.