When filing a claim due to personal injury, do everything you can to collect the compensation that is owed to you. Here are important steps to follow when preparing your case for legal consideration.
Collect Pertinent Records
Get copies of all the documentation associated with your injury. This would include a traffic accident report if that was the cause of the injury. Talk to your doctor about obtaining medical records for evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and physical therapy, if relevant. You may also need documents from your employer about missing work, lost wages, and other effects of the injury on your ability to maintain your regular job duties and schedule. Counseling records should also be included if they pertain to the accident.
Organize the Facts
Prepare a timeline that indicates events leading up to the accident. Include details about who was with you, time of day, your health, and any medications you were taking, weather conditions if it was an outside occurrence, and potential witnesses. Make the summary succinct and accurate for handy reference when the case is heard by the decision-makers. Ask anyone who was with you for their version of events to ensure you don’t forget anything. Review the record again to make sure you have not left out anything important that could have a bearing on your claim.
Get the Medical Help You Need
Get a medical evaluation and treatment if needed. Follow up with the doctor’s recommendations for medication, therapy, and checkups. Don’t ignore possible symptoms from the accident that could develop into a serious problem later on. Take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health immediately and as needed going forward. Keep taking medication as prescribed. Let the doctor know of any changes in your condition during treatment and in the months that follow.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Consult a personal injury attorney with questions or for assistance in establishing a legal claim for compensation of your injuries. Some companies, such as Cartee & Lloyd Attorneys At Law, know just how important this is. Your attorney can obtain medical records with your consent and help you get everything organized and ready for litigation if your case moves in that direction. The attorney will keep you informed of upcoming legal proceedings, documents to be filed, and what to expect.
Being injured due to someone else’s negligence entitles you to legal consideration of possible compensation for your losses. Prepare as fully as possible to ensure your claim receives adequate consideration. Your case should be clear and forthright to help you obtain fair compensation.
Author information: Anita Ginsburg is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University and now writes articles about health, business, family, and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing. You can follow her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.
