If you decide to file your personal injury claim, make sure you do everything to increase your chances of getting compensation. Do not just sit around and wait for things to come your way. Know the things you can control and work on them.
The following is a list of things you can do to maximize your chances of winning the claim.
Document Everything
If the evidence to support your claim is not enough, your case will fail. This is why you have to document anything that relates to the injury that can be used as evidence in the court.
This includes:
- Pictures of the scene
- Pictures of your injuries
- Medical records
- Medical bills
- Police reports
- The regulations and policies if it was a workplace accident
- Statements from witnesses
The paperwork for all this information is a lot. Make sure you have it filled correctly, make two copies, one for you and the other for your lawyer. In case you encounter problems when getting some of the records, ask your lawyer to help you.
Get a Good Lawyer
Finding a good lawyer for your personal injury claim may take some time. Do not be in a hurry as this is a very essential step. Find one who has represented people with the cases like yours and won them. Do not just look at the statistics that have been displayed on their websites. A class action lawyer is suitable for this type of case. Book an appointment, talk to them, and then evaluate how you feel about them representing your case.
If a lawyer keeps on promising to win your claim before you even explain how things happen. Get them off your list. Winning is not guaranteed. If you are on a tight budget, the law specialists from The Callahan Law Firm are of the opinion that you shouldn’t pay anything until your case is won. And this is excellent because making a deal like this steers you clear of money-hungry lawyers.
Ensure Your Claim Is Fully Valued
Your injuries may fall into different categories of damages. Do not assume this and file for one type of damages. Have an expert examine the injuries and the situation you got them under and then guide you on how to value your claim. Make sure you have enough supporting paperwork for this. You do not want people to think you are trying to fit circular blocks in sections meant for square blocks.
Claim compensation for:
- Loss of income
- Loss of regular body functions
- Emotional damages
- Pain and suffering
- Current and future medical bills for treatment of the injuries
Do Not Be Too Eager
You should know that settlements take time, some end up taking a few months. Defendants know this. This is why you are likely to receive an offer from them. This will be a small amount of money that is meant to convince you to drop the claim. If you are desperate, you may take this offer. Do not do this. When you receive your settlement, you will notice that it is a small fraction of the amount you got.
If you decide to respond to their offer, explain why the amount they are offering you is unacceptable. You can attach documentation to prove your point. This will show them that you are committed to receiving the compensation you deserve. It will also show that you believe your case is strong.
To avoid the temptation of dealing with them yourself, do not deal with the insurance companies yourself. The companies will try to get you to deal with them because they know they can convince you. They are only looking to settle. When they make the first attempt to speak to you, do not engage them. Ask them to get in touch with your lawyer.
Do Not Cast Doubt
All humans cast doubt on themselves and on the things they do. We ask ourselves, will this work? How will this go? This is normal. However, do not give up. Cast your doubt aside and assure yourself that you will go through with the claim and you will do your best to make sure you win the claim because you deserve it.
Ask your lawyer questions on the things that make you doubt the success of your personal injury claim. Your lawyer will explain everything to you until you are satisfied. After all, what is the worst that can happen? Better yet, what is the best that can happen?
Do not assume that winning your claim will be easy. Put in work to make sure that you win. Do your research well and make sure that everything is in order. This will increase your chance of winning the claim and maximizing the amount you will receive for settlement.