If you have suffered a personal injury due to someone else’s negligence, like 39.5 million people do each year, you may be entitled to compensation. Tort filings, which cover personal injury cases, rose by 150% or 138,436 cases in 2021, which reflects the market net worth of $53.1 billion. However, getting compensated can often be a lengthy and complex process. Here are some tips to help make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Document Your Injuries
The most important thing you can do immediately after an injury is to document what happened thoroughly. Get a copy of any medical records, doctor’s notes, hospital bills, prescriptions, and diagnostic tests for treating your injury. Keep a written record of how the injury has impacted your life, including any missed work, expenses incurred, loss of enjoyment of activities, etc. Detailed documentation will help demonstrate the extent of your injuries and losses.
Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
The best way to ensure maximum compensation for your damages under the law after an injury or accident is to hire an experienced personal injury attorney who will know how to build the strongest case. They can conduct a detailed investigation into what happened, gather evidence, determine all liable parties, negotiate a fair settlement, or file a lawsuit if necessary. Hiring a qualified attorney greatly increases your chances of getting full and fair compensation. Look for an attorney experienced in handling your specific type of injury case.
File Documents Properly and On Time
There are strict statutes of limitations on filing personal injury claims, meaning you have a limited time frame to take legal action or you may lose your right to compensation. In Texas, for example, the limit is 2 years from the date of the injury. An attorney can advise you on deadlines and make sure documents are prepared and filed properly with the court. Any delays could negatively impact your case.
Keep Track of Expenses
As your case proceeds, keep a careful record of all expenses related to your injury and medical treatment. This includes doctor bills, hospitalization, physical therapy, prescriptions, medical equipment, missed wages due to lost work time, transportation costs for treatment, property damages and other losses. Thorough expense documentation will help support a higher monetary demand in your injury claim. Medical bills for a car accident can range from less than $10,000 for a minor accident to more than $1 million for a catastrophic injury.
Cooperate With Your Personal Injury Lawyer
Your personal injury attorney will guide you through the claims process and need your full cooperation to maximize results. Be honest and forthcoming when answering your attorney’s questions. Provide copies of requested documents in a timely manner. Attend scheduled meetings and court appearances. Follow your attorney’s advice such as only discussing your case with your attorney, not posting about your case on social media, etc.
With the right attorney and proactive approach, you can successfully hold negligent parties accountable and receive the maximum compensation you deserve for your personal injuries. Being organized and diligent about documenting details will help build a strong case on your behalf.
