According to the US Department of Justice, nearly 400,000 personal injury claims are filed annually across the country, predominantly in state courts. Anyone who suffered from personal injury due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another person or entity can file a claim and receive compensation.
Personal injury covers car accidents, slip and falls, workplace incidents, medical malpractice, or harm due to defective products. So what should you do if you suffered an injury caused by someone? And should you hire a lawyer to represent you?
Huntington Beach personal injury lawyer Brian W. Easton says that if you believe another party is responsible for your injury, it’s important to determine the exact value of your damages and hold the negligent party responsible for those damages.
A lawyer can help you increase your chances of getting compensation for your injury and your pain and suffering.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
When you get injured, you need to go to the doctor and treat the injury. It is necessary to have medical records of all treatments received and the gravity of your injury.
Do not neglect the need for immediate attention from a healthcare professional. You may not feel any serious complications from the injury, but some effects may take time to show. The checkup can help figure out these hidden problems. Again, it’s important to document your injuries and follow the doctor’s recommendations.
Document the Incident Thoroughly
A thorough document has the details of the event and it serves as strong evidence in your personal injury case. Write all the details, time, date, and venue of events in reference to what happened.
If possible, take several pictures of the site, injuries, and other contributing aspects, such as hazardous areas. Collect contact details of those witnesses who confirmed the story.
If a defective product causes your injury, you can file a product liability lawsuit to recover damages. A product liability lawyer can hold manufacturers and companies liable for not meeting their legal obligation to quality test their products and ensure a basic level of consumer safety.
If even one product harms a consumer who was using the product correctly, the consumer has the right to seek reparations from the company for failing to protect them.
Document all communications between you and the other parties since the date of the event, along with their response to your report about your injury. Keep copies of all medical records or bills related to your injury.
Report the Injury to the Relevant Authorities
It is critical to report the injury to the concerned legal authorities since it makes a formal record of the incident. You should notify the police, your employer, or any applicable regulatory body, depending on how and where the injury took place.
This leaves a detailed account of the events surrounding the injury, in case you need to take any other action, to be in evidence for the account of your situation.
Make sure you are honest and explain everything as fully as possible in your report. Obtain a copy of the report for yourself, as this document may be useful for insurance purposes and any legal action that arises later.
Don’t put the issue off; timely reporting can make all the difference in your case.
Understand Your Legal Rights
After you have reported the injury to the concerned legal authorities, you should get acquainted with your legal rights.
Compensation for your costs, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering resulting from the injury, is your right. Laws differ from state to state, and since they vary, it is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the specific laws of your state.
You have a right to gather evidence and materials such as medical claims, eyewitnesses, and photographs to support your case. Remember to file a claim before the deadline; it may be crucial to getting paid.
When to Consult a Lawyer
If your injury’s effects are too much to handle, an injury lawyer can help you deal with the legal process much easier. Major injuries, mounting medical bills, uncertainty, and lack of awareness about one’s civil rights also require the assistance of an attorney.
Legal advice should be sought if the insurance company pressures you for a quick settlement. A lawyer could help prove fault for the accident if liability is unclear.
If you feel lost in the process or stalled in negotiations, getting an attorney on board matters. Early involvement will protect your interests and ensure that you receive proper compensation for your injuries.
