Have you slipped and fallen in a public place? Or have you been involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault? Maybe you’ve been let down by your medical team? Or bitten by a dog?
All of these are common reasons why people consider pursuing personal injury cases. You’ll find sites online – like this site – helpful if you want to speak with a personal injury lawyer. Deciding to pursue a personal injury case is a daunting prospect and you’ll undoubtedly do anything you can to favor your case and get the justice and compensation you believe you’re entitled to.
But, did you know that many claimants jeopardize their cases because of some simple mistakes? Here we’ll look at 4 personal injury case mistakes to avoid.
Not seeking medical advice (and following it)
If you were injured, then your first action should have been to seek medical attention. Neglecting to do so, not only puts your health at risk further, but it can also make proving your injuries and your claims difficult. When you visit a doctor, they’ll make a record of the injuries you have sustained and follow this up with a care plan. It’s these documents that are used in court to determine how serious your injuries are, and what your claim is worth.
Not gathering evidence
A jury might not be willing to simply agree with your testimony and without the relevant evidence, it’s your word against theirs. So, failing to gather evidence is a huge mistake on your part. Photographs of the scene, witness testimonies, a diary of events, the pain you’re in and how it’s affecting your everyday life etc can make all the difference in cases like these.
Being rude and unpleasant
Going through a personal injury case is a worrying and frustrating time. However, it’s important to keep your emotions in check, especially when dealing with court officials, doctors, lawyers and juries. Maintaining a pleasant manner is essential, especially if you want the case to be in your favour. You don’t have to be a pushover but maintain a level of professionalism throughout.
Undermining your own claims
You’ve claimed that you’ve injured your back yet your latest Facebook upload questions the validity of your injuries. It’s important to remember that the other party is looking to discredit your claims, so don’t make it easy for them! Avoid posting anything that could be damaging to your claim or discussing your case with anyone other than your lawyer.
