Are you filing a personal injury lawsuit? Whether you were injured in a car accident, slipped and fell somewhere, or you were injured in some way due to the fault of another party, personal injury cases can be complex. If you plan to sue someone due to an injury you received, there are some important things you need to know. Your attorney will prepare your case and handle all of the legal legwork, but there are some things you need to do (or not do) to help your case.
If you want a successful case, follow these 5 tips to prepare for your personal injury lawsuit.
- See a Doctor. The first step if you are injured in any situation is to see a doctor. This is for your own safety and well being as well as for the purpose of documentation for your lawsuit. Even if you don’t know yet that you are going to sue someone, seeing a doctor is crucial. Be sure to see a doctor immediately following your accident. Waiting too long can be detrimental to your health as well as your case.
If your injuries are severe, your doctor will most likely recommend a treatment plan for you that will take place over the following weeks or months. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and attend regular appointments. If you don’t follow your doctor’s orders you could jeopardize your lawsuit.
- Keep All Documentation. Document everything and save any paperwork you receive regarding your injury. This includes statements from your doctor, your insurance company, the other party’s insurance company, and any other documentation you receive. If the other party or their lawyer attempts to contact you, document that as well and refer them to your lawyer. It can help to keep a daily diary with dates and times to record how the injury occurred and the events that took place on a daily basis afterwards. This helps to prove your claim and support your lawsuit.
- Communicate With Your Lawyer. Stay in regular contact with your lawyer. Be honest with them about everything regarding your case so that they can be well informed to build your case. There should be no surprises that come up that your attorney is unaware of. These unknowns could change the outcome of your case.
As new developments arise or new information comes about, let your lawyer know. If your injury worsens, your doctor changes your treatment, or there are additional hardships that you endure as a result of your accident, contact your attorney to inform them about it. Even if you’re not sure if the information is important or applicable, share it with your attorney anyway, because you never know what could be a crucial piece of information for your case.
- Don’t Talk About Your Lawsuit (Especially on Social Media). Avoid discussing your lawsuit with anyone besides your attorney. If you must discuss it, limit it to your immediate family, such as your spouse or your caregiver. These are the people who will know all about your case because they are right in the middle of it with you.
But don’t chat with your neighbor or your coworker about how you’re suing someone, and by all means keep it off social media platforms. In recent years, as social media has grown in popularity, it has become admissible as evidence in court. What you say there could jeopardize your case. Personal injury cases have been lost or dismissed due to information pulled from social media.
- Be Prepared to Accept a Settlement. Not all personal injury cases result in the plaintiff getting the full amount of compensation they are seeking. Be prepared to accept a settlement offer, because it may still be enough to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other financial hardships you have endured due to your injury. Your lawyer will advise you on whether or not you should accept a settlement.
Looking to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit? Contact the Law Office of Joel A. Levine
If you’ve been injured in an accident, you do have rights. The Law Office of Joel A. Levine will listen to your case and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Call (512) 982-1510 today to schedule a consultation or request a free case evaluation. We look forward to helping you with your personal injury case.
