A major injury can have far-reaching repercussions on your life – it can affect your job, family life, and other aspects of your personal life, as well as compromising the quality of your life. This is why it's important for the party to responsible to provide financial compensation. When filing a claim or pushing forward on a personal injury lawsuit, be sure to avoid making the following mistakes that can compromise your case.
#1: Ignoring the surveillance possibilities
Chances are you will end up watched in some manner in the weeks or months leading up to the case in order to verify your injuries. Exaggerating your injuries or doing anything that compromises the integrity of your claim could lead to a loss in court. In other words, you don't want to be caught dancing if you are supposed to have a major leg injury. Also, beware of social media – both your accounts and those of friends and family. It's best not to post at all until your case is over, and to ask friends to not post about you as well. This way you don't have to worry about something showing up that could be used against you.
#2: Losing evidence
Many things can be considered evidence in a personal injury claim, so it's vital that you save everything that relates to your injury or case. This includes documentation for all expenses, such as cab fare to doctor's appointments, as well as all medical records and doctor bills. You should also have evidence collected from the scene of the injury, such as photographs of the cause of injury or video evidence of the injury occurring. Keep all originals of the evidence. Your lawyer should only turn over copies to the court.
#3: Not using your legal advice
When filing for a personal injury claim, one of the first things you should do is get a lawyer. Then, you should consult that lawyer before every action you take on the case. Don't sign documents or even talk with an insurance adjuster or a member of the defense legal team without first talking to your own lawyer. This can compromise your claim, or you may end up settling for less than you deserve. Your lawyer can also help you stay on top of deadlines so you don't accidentally miss any step in the legal process.
Click here for information about working with a personal injury lawyer in your area.
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