According to the CDC, there are over 39 million people injured in the United States every single year. With such high numbers, chances are you might one day fall victim to a personal injury. There are several steps you can take to ensure you get the best settlement after a personal injury, and avoid making common mistakes that can cause you to forfeit a larger settlement.
Keep Track Of All Injuries
When you argue your case in front of a judge or jury, they will want to see why a settlement is justified for your pain and suffering. Many people make the mistake of not taking the time and working after their injury. They might also continue to complete day to day activities in an effort to hide their injuries and move past them.
Unfortunately, not taking the time to document your injuries and heal from them can give the impression that your injuries were not serious. On the contrary, even simple injuries such as slips and falls can lead to negative consequences. It’s best to not hide or mask your injuries, and instead, document them through doctor’s visits, journals, and at work.
Know Your Rights
It’s important to understand your rights after an injury. If the injury is the fault of someone else, including your work place, you are entitled to a proper settlement to pay for your pain and suffering and future medical expenses. Many insurance companies will pretend they are on your side, however, they are always fighting to keep their pockets full. Insurance companies offer low settlements in an effort to make you settle out of court and not continue to fight for your rights. Never settle for a first offer, and always seek to take cases to trial if the insurance company continues to be unfair.
Get Professional Help
In addition to properly documenting your injuries and taking the time to heal, it’s also best to get professional help. A dedicated personal injury lawyer can walk you through the entire settlement process. From filing your claim in court in a timely manner, to not accepting the first settlement, and helping gather evidence for your claim, a lawyer will argue on your behalf.
