If you are injured at work or out in public due to someone else’s actions or negligence, life can get hectic in a hurry. You may miss time from work and see your medical bills start to pile up, and while you will have compensation options in the form of an injury claim, filing and winning this claim can be difficult if you aren’t very familiar with the system. However, if you take a few steps and approach your case with specific intentions, it’s much easier to keep your claim on track. In today’s blog, we share six tips for having a smooth experience with your injury claim.
Navigating The Injury Compensation Claims Process
You have enough on your plate after a work or personal injury without dealing with numerous headaches with your injury claim. Here’s a look at six tips for avoiding these issues and keeping your case running smoothly.
1. Contact A Lawyer – We understand that this may sound a little self-serving and it won’t be the first step in the process, but in order for your claim to run smoothly, this will absolutely be the most important step. Your lawyer can help to take a lot of stress out of the equation so that you can focus on what matters most – your health and your family. A lawyer will build a case, file all the paperwork and argue your case for you, ensuring that the whole process runs smoothly. They will get a small percentage of your award, but because they will likely be able to get you much more than you would have received on your own, oftentimes they more than pay for their services.
2. Document The Scene – Unless you need immediate medical attention, do what you can to document the scene of the injury. This evidence can help to confirm your side of the story or prove that the other party was liable or acting negligently. Pull out your smartphone to document the scene and get the contact information of any witnesses, and it will be easier to build a strong case.
3. Head To A Doctor – An insurance company isn’t just going to take you at your word that your injuries are significant. In order to receive compensation, you are going to have to have your injuries medically documented by a professional. The sooner you seek out his evaluation, the better, because delaying medical care can send up some red flags to the insurance company. Keep your case on track by getting an evaluation by a medical specialist.
4. Communicate With Your Lawyer – Your lawyer is going to need to get some information from you to assist with different aspects of your claim, and if you want your case to run smoothly, make it easy for your lawyer to get this information. Return their calls, texts or emails promptly, and they’ll strive to do the same. Avoid delays by working to have great communication with your lawyer.
5. Be Patient – We know that this is easier said than done, but it’s imperative that you be patient throughout the process. Your lawyer will do everything in their power to expedite the process, but the insurance company oftentimes drags their feet in hopes that it will get you to jump at a low settlement offer. If you are willing to be patient and you put your faith in a lawyer who truly understands what your case is worth, things will go a lot smoother, and you’ll typically end up with a much larger payday.
6. Don’t Overshare – You can share any and all information pertaining to your injury case with your lawyer because they are bound by attorney-client privilege, but you’ll want to avoid oversharing information with other parties. It may seem like your insurance company or your employer are on your side, but remember that they have a vested interest in minimizing their own liability, so anything you say that could hurt your case will be something they will pounce on. It’s oftentimes helpful to talk with a lawyer prior to giving any recorded statement about the incident so that you can avoid saying anything that could hurt your case. We’re not saying that you should lie, you simply need to keep your statement truthful and concise.
Do all of the above, and we know that your case will run smoothly, especially if you trust your claim to Dean and the team at Margolis Law Firm. For more information, or for help with a different injury issue, reach out to our firm today at (952) 230-2700.
