There were around 2.8 million non-fatal injuries reported in 2019—and that’s just in the workplace. If you’ve experienced an injury as a result of negligence or defense, you have a high chance of getting the compensation you deserve.
But, what does the personal injury claims process look like? In this guide, we answer all of your injury settlement questions, concerns, and more.
Avoiding Injury Settlement Representation
By not hiring an attorney for your personal injury claim, you’re missing out on expert advice and a possibly larger settlement offer. Personal injury settlement lawyers are specially trained in injury claims and will ensure you get a great settlement for your situation.
Your personal injury case also benefits from an attorney if you’re offered paperwork to sign. You should never sign anything without your lawyer present, as it may negatively impact your settlement amount without you realizing it. If you’re looking for the best and brightest attorneys in California, check out sweetjames.com and get your claims process started.
Forgetting To Gather Evidence
Gathering substantial evidence of your personal injury is the best way to ensure a proper settlement. Your personal injury case should include photos, videos, and witness accounts.
If you don’t have evidence, don’t worry. Your attorney will work with you to make sure your court case includes your first-hand account of your injuries. While it may take more time and effort, you’ll still get the settlement you deserve.
Exaggerating Your Injuries
Exaggerating or lying about your injuries is not only negligent, but it’s also against the law. It’s vital to give your attorney and the courts truthful information about your accident to ensure the best settlement outcome.
If possible, keep every record related to your personal injury. This includes hospital bills, evidence, and first-hand accounts of your healing process.
Don’t forget to keep your mental health in mind—you should consider trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder in your claims settlement process if it’s relevant to your situation.
Putting off Legal Action
Several states have a statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim. If you reach the deadline, you won’t see the settlement money you deserve. Some states have deadlines within three years of the time you were injured.
To avoid this, be sure to file a claim as soon as you can. Immediate action results in a clearer outcome, as the injury is fresh in your mind.
Settling for the First Settlement Offer
Winning a settlement is great news, but you don’t forget to negotiate. Initial settlements are often very low, giving you the opportunity to negotiate a higher one.
For people without representation, the lowest settlements are usually accepted because they don’t know any better. With expert representation, your attorney should advise you to ask for a higher settlement if the initial offer is too low.
Settling the Right Way
Dealing with a personal injury is traumatic and stressful, but your injury settlement claim process doesn’t have to be. With an expert attorney by your side, as well as these five tips, you’ll get the settlement you need to cover your health care costs.
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