No one anticipates having an accident, but sometimes things happen beyond your control that causes personal injury. If you are injured, you may incur extensive medical bills and be unable to work for an extended period. Regardless of the extent of your injuries or the financial impact they have on you and your family, it is essential to know your legal options.
Documentation Is Key
Personal injury and negligence claims are subject to state laws and requirements, making it vital for you to seek legal advice if you have been injured due to no fault of your own. If you have been injured, proper documentation of the event and injury is a critical first step you should take, regardless of your initial intentions to seek legal damages for your injury. Properly documenting the incident and any subsequent events will allow you to pursue a legal course immediately or if circumstances change down the road.
Important Aspects Of Documentation
It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with your state’s claim process to ensure your documentation consists of the necessary aspects that the law requires. The sooner you begin to compile your documentation, the better. Organizing facts of the incident, medical bills, and implications on work and lifestyle will help you get a barring on what you need to collect.
Photographs & Statements
When possible, your documentation should include any photographs of the area or scene where your injury occurred. Seek police records and statements if emergency services responded, and have names and contact witnesses if applicable. Write down your account of the events leading up to the injury as soon as you can do so, as it is crucial to document your perspective of the events.
Medical Expenses
Gather medical bills and any insurance claims or payments. Any information related to your medical needs should be included, such as ongoing treatment or in-home care. List therapeutic and mobility items you have purchased necessary to your rehabilitation or recovery as they are part of your medical expenses. Remember to include future costs that are expected in regards to any ongoing medical care and treatment.
Lifestyle Implications
Your injury may impact your lifestyle. If you are out of work, your lifestyle may suffer. Include any lost wages and conduct a personal analysis of any financial implications that result from income reduction. Rent, mortgage, credit card payments, car payments, and any other form of loss can be included. Remember, you must assign a monetary value for loss to ask for damages to be paid.
Documentation of your injuries and the incident is vital, and consultation with a personal injury attorney is advised. Contact Marcus Gomez, Attorney at Law, for information on your rights and the legal options you have to make sure you and your family are fairly compensated.