When you're badly injured, the last thing you want to think about is filling out paperwork, searching for an attorney, or trying to gather evidence. Yet, these steps are necessary if you want to collect the compensation you deserve due to someone else's negligence. The more you know about personal injury cases and hiring an attorney, the less stressful this time will be.
We've created this website to offer basic personal injury law advice for anyone who has been injured or who may become injured in the future. Keep in mind that if you've been injured in a car accident, due to medical neglect, or even by slipping in someone else's parking lot, your case qualifies a personal injury case — and thus you'll find our collection of articles relevant.
An injury on the job can impact your employment, wages, and quality of life. Avoid making mistakes that could prevent you from receiving compensation for your personal injury.
1. Postponing the Injury Report
It can be tempting to skip the injury report. Perhaps you initially didn't think the injury was that severe, or perhaps you wanted to contact a lawyer first. Unfortunately, failure to immediately report the injury may impact your ability to receive compensation if the injury ends up being severe enough to impact your ability to work or live your life. Always report an injury right away, no matter how minor it may initially seem.
2. Skipping Medical Follow Up
You need to visit a doctor as soon after the injury as possible. If the injury happened on company premises, you may be sent to a company doctor. Otherwise, you need to call your general practitioner, visit the emergency room, or stop by an urgent care clinic. Quick assessment by a medical professional ensures that the extent and form of the injury is properly documented.
3. Not Creating a Paper Trail
Save all documentation pertaining to your injury and its effects on your daily life. This includes documentation of the injury itself, paperwork from all medical visits, receipts for medical costs or prescriptions, and a record of missed work and wages. It's also a good idea to log other effects from the injury. For example, if the injury impacted your ability to participate in activities, make a note of this on a calendar.
4. Ignoring Doctor's Orders
Once you are under medical care for an injury, make sure you follow all medical advice for treatment. This means attending all physical therapy sessions, making necessary lifestyle changes, and taking any prescribed medication. If you choose not to follow a prescribed form of treatment, document your reasons so it doesn't simply look like you are ignoring medical advice.
5. Foregoing Legal Advice
It's a good idea to schedule a consultation with a lawyer as soon after the injury as feasible, even if you do not foresee any need to pursue legal action against your employer or their insurance company. A lawyer can help advise you when it comes to filling out compensation paperwork, as well as provide advice on what to include in your claim. In the event compensation is denied, your lawyer can help you fight for what you deserve.
Contact a personal injury lawyer if you have hurt yourself on the job. A personal injury lawyer can provide more information.