When you are recovering from an injury, the last thing you want to be thinking about is the legal process and paperwork required. But the reality is that these steps are essential so that you can receive the compensation you deserve for this injury. If someone else was at fault and their actions or neglect resulted the accident, then you can ask for compensation to cover your medical bills and much more.
During this time, you are likely dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial toll that injuries can bring into a victim’s life. The most important thing you can do is hire an experienced personal injury attorney who can oversee the legal process and advocate for your rights.
In this article, we are taking a closer look at what the legal process looks like for injury compensation. Understanding these steps will help you prepare for the things that are coming in the future.
After Injury: First Steps
In the first hours and days after the accident occurs, the most important thing you can do is seek medical attention for your injuries. Not only do you need a professional diagnosis and treatment, but the medical records are also important to help with necessary evidence for your personal injury claim.
Even if you seem to have minor injuries, it’s still important to see a doctor. In some situations, the severe symptoms after an accident don’t start to show up for a few days or even a few weeks after the incident. Involving a doctor every step of the way is the best solution for documenting your health issues and the conditions that resulted from the accident.
Other initial steps you should take after the injury are to document the situation and gather as much evidence as possible. Examples of helpful evidence for your legal claim include:
- Photos
- Witnesses
- Incident Reports
- Police Reports
Also, make sure that the injury is reported to the relevant authorities. If the injury happened at work, then a report needs to be filed with HR. If an accident happens on the road or on private property, then the police should be called so they can investigate the scene and file an accident report.
Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney
The next important step that you should follow is to hire a personal injury attorney who has experience with other similar cases. You know that you will have a strong legal claim when you have a knowledgeable attorney on the case.
This legal expertise is crucial! Here are some of the benefits you can expect from hiring a skilled personal injury attorney:
- Insurance Communication: Keep in mind that most insurance companies are trying to reduce the amount of money they will pay out-of-pocket. So, if you try to handle things on your own, then it’s likely that your settlement will be smaller than what an attorney could have negotiated on your behalf.
- Legal Expertise: A skilled attorney knows the best practices to build your case and advocate on your behalf. This legal expertise increases the likelihood that you will have a favorable outcome from the lawsuit.
- Support During Recovery: You are already dealing with a lot as you are navigating the medical care and treatments necessary for your injury. Hiring an attorney allows you to focus on your recovery because the legal team will provide the full-service support you need for the insurance claim and settlement.
- Negotiations and Court: Once the insurance claim is filed, the hope is that your legal representation will be able to negotiate the settlement outside of court. Many insurance companies are willing to negotiate a settlement, because it’s a win-win situation to save everyone money if you can avoid court proceedings. If a settlement can’t be reached, then your attorney will help with the court process.
You deserve to work with the best representation, which is why it’s essential to research the legal team you are going to hire. Look for a personal injury attorney with plenty of experience, specializing in the type of injury you are dealing with, and a solid reputation.
Building Your Personal Injury Case
Once you have an agreement with a personal injury attorney, then the legal team will get to work to build your case. They will collect detailed evidence to show liability and prove that your injuries were caused by the actions or neglect of the other party.
It can take some work to prove liability. The insurance company will only pay out if fault has been established and you can show that the other party holds the responsibility. Proving negligence not only important for a favorable outcome, but it can also help to increase your compensation.
Your lawyer will help with calculating damages, accounting for every financial impact you have experienced as a result of the accident: medical bills, lost wages, future financial needs, pain and suffering, and more.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim and Reaching a Settlement
Now it’s time to file the legal paperwork required for your personal injury claim. There are certain deadlines that you need to be aware of, such as statute of limitations. Your attorney will offer recommendations about who the claim should be filed against, including all at-fault parties, as well as insurance companies and any other entities that were responsible.
The good news is that most personal injury cases are settled outside of court. Your attorney will deal with the insurance companies and find a favorable compensation for your unique needs.
FAQ
How to file a personal injury claim?
While you have the option to file on your own, the best way to file a personal injury claim is with the legal assistance from an experienced personal injury lawyer.
What are time limits for personal injury claims?
The statute of limitations varies depending on the type of claim that is being filed and where you are located. Consult with a personal injury lawyer for more information.
What is the best strategy for calculating personal injury damages?
Every financial detail should be considered when calculating personal injury damages: all medical bills, the cost of treatments, lost wages during recovery, as well as emotional pain and suffering.
Call the Personal Injury Experts for Help with This Legal Process
You don’t have to navigate this personal injury claim on your own. Our expert team at Wormington & Bollinger is here to help. For more information, contact us to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.