When you are hurt due to someone else's negligence, it is certainly your right to file a personal injury claim against the person who you believe to be responsible for your injuries and suffering. You can file such a claim even for relatively minor injuries if the medical bills and lost wages are substantial enough. But what if you're filing a claim for really substantial injuries — the type that have left you unable to work, perhaps for years to come, let alone enjoy your day-to-day life without pain? In a case such as this, there are a few precautions you need to take when it comes to filing your personal injury claim.
1. Get a second opinion.
You're going to be suing for a lot of money. As such, you can bet that the defendant's lawyer is going to find any and every opportunity to claim your injuries are not as serious as you are insisting they are. If you get a second opinion from another doctor, this will serve as further evidence as to the severity of your injuries. Your own personal injury attorney should be able to recommend a doctor who can give this second opinion.
2. Keep all of your paperwork and receipts.
Bills add up over time, especially when you are dealing with a chronic injury. You do not want the defense to refuse to pay part of your claim because you do not have written evidence of those expenses. So keep every receipt and document related to your injuries, your employment, and the case in general. It's better to have too much than not enough; leave it to your lawyer to sort through and decide what is worth keeping.
3. Don't accept a settlement that is too low.
The defendant may initially try to offer you a low settlement in an effort to get the process over with sooner. Resist the urge to just accept this settlement; let your lawyer negotiate with them. The first settlement offer is not typically enough to fully compensate for your medical bills and lost wages. You should know exactly what you need to get to cover these bills, and refuse to accept anything less.
To learn more about the best strategies when filing a personal injury claim for a serious injury, talk to your lawyer. They know your unique case best and can offer some more personalized guidance.
Contact a personal injury lawyer today to learn more.
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