No one wants to experience a personal injury, in fact, it’s probably the last thing anyone wants. Whether at home, at work, or on the roads, there is nothing we like less than being injured – especially if it’s not our fault. This is why personal injury claims exist.
For many of us, though, going through the process of a personal injury claim is a daunting one. How do you even begin? How much money do you deserve? Who should you talk to? All these questions are totally valid, but the process is easier than you think. In this article, we will share with you our top tips on the process and how to maximise any potential payout.
Preserve Evidence
The first thing you need – and need to keep throughout – is evidence. Fiona, a paralegal and personal injury claims specialist from Blackwell & Ruiz told us, “Without proper evidence of every stage of the claims process, from injury to the court date, you are reducing potential financial reward. Keep everything, even if you think it’s not valid or useful.” Keeping every piece of evidence is great advice; your legal team will soon tell you what is and is not useful.
At the scene of the injury, if you can, try to take as many photos and get eyewitnesses to share their details with you. You will note that throughout this process evidence needs to be kept and collected. This starts from the moment you are hurt. Anything you think may help build a case should be held onto, from ripped clothes to photos of the incident.
Get Medical Treatment
Whether you feel you are seriously injured or not, you should seek medical advice right away. You should be checked over for any signs of injury by a doctor and referred on for any specialist treatment you may require. If you have been caused this injury by someone else, they will be liable for covering your medical costs. So, you should get whatever treatment you can – and keep every single receipt, bill, and letter from your doctor. You should even keep a record of your travel expenses when receiving medical treatment, as this can be covered by your claim also.
Follow Guidelines
One tip to remember is to follow procedures and guidelines wherever you are injured. For example, say you are injured in a bar or restaurant by someone else’s spilt drink, wet floor, or broken glass. Make sure you follow the proper procedures that the venue has in place for reporting incidents. This way, you will have the management’s paperwork alongside any of your own. Plus, they will likely allow you to view their CCTV footage and incident logs at a later date. All of this can prove super valuable when it comes to building your claim.
Find A Lawyer You Trust
At this stage, it’s worth sitting down with a lawyer. There are firms – or parts of firms – who deal specifically in matters of personal injury. Reach out to these lawyers, they will be the most experienced and helpful lawyers to help guide you through the next steps, as well as maximizing the possible financial rewards.
Most law firms offer a free consultation in cases like these. This will usually be a 30-60 minute session where a lawyer or paralegal will talk you through your case, take a look over any evidence, and then advise you whether it’s a case they can pursue. In this hour, you should be able to get a feel for the firm and individual, to help you decide whether they are right for you. Remember, you can see as many as you like with these free no-obligation sessions, you don’t have to stick with the first one! Find someone you trust, then move forward with planning your case.
Remember Future Damages & Build Your Case
Now, it is time for you and your law team to sit down and form a plan of action. In doing this, the lawyers should take into account all the evidence you’ve gathered so far, as well as use their powers to dig out any more relevant evidence. It’s important not to forget future damages, too. If you feel stressed, unable to work, or need help with mobility, these things could cost a fortune in the long run. Make sure any potential future costs are involved in your case.
With these few points in mind, you’ll be able to perfectly manage and execute a personal injury claim case, ensuring you get the maximum payout possible.