by When filing a personal injury claim, there are a number of things you should never do. These mistakes can sabotage your case and reduce your compensation.
Most of the time, these mistakes involve signing paperwork or medical authorizations for your treating healthcare providers. Delaying or refusing to sign these documents can draw the ire of the insurance company, your attorney, or even a judge.
- Not Seeking Medical Treatment
One of the most common mistakes that people make in personal injury cases is to delay or avoid seeking medical treatment. This is a mistake that can hurt your case on several levels and could result in you not getting full compensation for your damages.
It is also important to follow your doctor’s orders closely and keep records of any treatments you receive. Failure to do so can give an insurance company ammunition to argue that your injuries weren’t as serious as you claim.
- Not Keeping a Journal
Keeping a journal is an effective way to document the impact of your injury. It can be a powerful tool in your personal injury claim, providing crucial evidence that you deserve compensation for your injuries.
However, you should be careful not to let your journal get out of hand. It’s best to write in it consistently, every day.
Besides helping you keep track of the pain and other side effects of your injuries, a journal can also help you better understand how your accident has affected your life. It can also be a great way to share your feelings and deepest thoughts.
- Not Telling Your Lawyer About Witnesses
A witness can make or break a personal injury case. He or she can lend credibility to your account of the accident, which means that you can prove the other party is at fault more easily.
You should find witnesses immediately after an incident and ask them to provide you with statements as soon as possible. This is crucial because facts can change over time.
- Not Keeping Records
When it comes to filing a personal injury claim, keeping track of all your medical bills and other expenses can be a daunting task. However, the proper organization of your paperwork can save you time and money in the long run.
Keeping the right kind of records can make the difference between getting the compensation you deserve or having to settle for less than you deserve. The best way to do this is to consult with a trusted legal professional who can walk you through the process and provide recommendations.
- Not Keeping a Daily Journal
Keeping a daily journal is an effective way to document your injuries, recovery, and life post-accident. However, you must be careful about the details you choose to write in your journal.
Those entries that are overly personal or errant can harm your case. This includes details about your sleeping habits, pain levels, and doctor’s visits.
Similarly, daily journal entries can also bolster your claim for non-economic damages like diminished quality of life, emotional distress, and mental anguish. These types of claims can be difficult to prove in court, so a journal may help you achieve the most compensation possible.
- Not Keeping a Journal of Your Pain
Keeping a journal of your pain can help you and your doctor better understand how your injuries are affecting you. It can also show how different activities affect your pain levels, which is especially helpful when trying to identify triggers or patterns.
However, you should be careful about what you write in your journal. Errant details could be used against you in court. Stick to the facts and don’t exaggerate your pain or limitations.
- Not Keeping Records of Your Medical Treatment
Medical records are one of the most important parts of any injury case. They provide hard evidence that can be used to build a strong legal case.
Not keeping these records is a mistake that can hurt your claim and potentially lead to a loss of compensation.
Not only are these records crucial in proving your injuries, but they also help your attorney establish the causation of your injury. This will help them win your lawsuit and recover the compensation you deserve.
