Personal injuries that require medical attention can occur because of defective products, car accidents, trips and falls, dog bites, and other unfortunate incidents.
If, despite your best efforts, you’re the victim of an accident causing harm, the best move is to see a doctor and then call a personal injury lawyer for guidance on the next steps.
A good lawyer can explain what you’re up against, file a claim, and defend you at the bargaining table and in the courtroom.
But you must avoid four mistakes — if you don’t want to jeopardize your case.
1. Not Going to a Doctor Immediately
After a personal injury, the last thing you should do is dilly-dally about going to the doctor. You must make an appointment to see your doctor or go to the hospital. It’s important to have evidence of an injury after the accident and the extent of the harm. Otherwise, it’ll be easy for an insurance company to suggest the injury could easily have been because of some other incident. That’s the risk you’ll face if you don’t get medical care right after a personal injury.
Going to your doctor and submitting to whatever exams or tests they order is in your best interests. Doing so can help you recover faster and help your lawyer build a solid case.
2. Not Following Your Doctor’s Instructions
Another mistake that can jeopardize your personal injury claim is to drag your feet or ignore your doctor’s recommendations. Failing to follow your doctor’s instructions can make things difficult for you. An insurance company might argue that your lack of treatment accounts for the extent of your injury– that you’d be better if taking regular treatment.
Your medical records will be examined closely during your personal injury claim. If it shows that you were loosey-goosey with your medical treatment, that could make your lawyer’s job harder. So, take medication, attend follow-up appointments, and go to physiotherapy if the doctor says so.
3. Exaggerating Your Injuries
Yet another mistake to avoid is exaggerating your injuries. You’ll be in big trouble — possibly to the extent of facing fraud charges — if it’s determined you’re lying about damages. It’s also essential that you not exaggerate the seriousness of the injuries. If your pain level is a five out of 10 but you insist that it’s a 10 out of 10, that could be an issue if you’re found to be lying.
That’s one reason you must see your doctor and any medical professionals they recommend. Detailed medical records will help establish that you’re being truthful rather than deceitful.
4. Posting on Social Media
Statista says there were 5.56 billion internet users globally as of February. So, much of the world is online. While it’s okay to use social media, you don’t have to post all of your personal business online. And when it comes to a personal injury case, you shouldn’t post anything.
Anything you post online can and will be used against you. You’re naive if you believe that insurers or lawyers for the insurers won’t monitor your online activity. Posting pictures online that show you out and about having fun — when your stated injuries suggest you should be on the sidelines — could get you in trouble. Give social media a break during a personal injury trial.
A personal injury case can provide compensation if injured in an accident. But even a single misstep can derail your case.
If you’re involved in a personal injury claim, follow the recommendations given by your legal representation. A good personal injury lawyer can keep you out of trouble.
