Sustaining a personal injury may be more common than you think. According to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST), injuries account for over 150,000 deaths and over three million non-fatal injuries per year in the US
Whether it is the result of an accident in the workplace, a motor vehicle collision or medical malpractice, an injury can leave you with more than just physical pain. You may lose income if you are unable to work or suffer from emotional distress or PTSD due to the trauma of the incident.
If you have been affected by a personal injury, you might not know what your options are in terms of redress. This article will lay out the steps you should take to put you in the best position following your injury.
Get medical attention
A medical assessment is not only advisable for your health and peace of mind, but it will also hold you in good stead if you decide to file a personal injury claim.
It is easier to prove your injuries were sustained as the result of your accident if you have medical evidence to support your claim. This evidence can form the foundation of your claim as the extent of your injuries can help to determine the level of compensation you are due.
In addition to seeking medical attention, keep copies of all of your medical expenses such as chiropractic costs, transport to appointments and medication prescriptions.
Seek legal advice
Legal advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you establish whether you have grounds for a claim or not.
Many personal injury law firms such as Adam S. Kutner Accident & Injury Attorneys offer free case evaluations where they will assess the merits of your claim helping you to determine your chances of success. In addition to this, they also work on a ‘no win no fee’ basis, meaning you will not have to pay for your legal representation if your claim is unsuccessful.
Knowing you could qualify for compensation for your injuries can relieve much of the financial burden you may be facing as a result of your accident and the right lawyer will help you to form a solid case giving you a strong chance of success.
Collect evidence
To give you the best chance of building a strong claim and receiving compensation for your injuries it is essential to gather as much evidence in support of your claim as you can. If there were eyewitnesses to your accident, collecting their statements can be invaluable to your case as they can offer an unbiased account of what happened.
If the police were called to the scene, like during a motor vehicle accident, request a copy of the police report. Most police reports are publically available and the testimony of a credible third party will also bolster your claim and help to establish who was at fault.
It is not always possible to take photos immediately after an accident, but if you manage to take some of the accident scene or your injuries, provide copies to your lawyer as they can offer vital clues on how the accident took place and the party at fault.
Follow the guidance outlined in this article to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Alicia Saville did her degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. She is interested in mental health and well-being.
