Pursuing a personal injury case can be draining from the beginning. Still, it’s also empowering and freeing to get your story out there and ensure that people listen to and understand what you’ve gone through.
This is a complete guide to pursuing your personal injury case and why it’s important to take yourself seriously so that other people will as well.
Heavily Document from the Beginning
How heavily you document may change the outcome of a case if it goes to court. Be sure to take pictures of any physical injuries, gather documents from medical care, keep any conversation records, and pay attention to documenting any details that might be overlooked or ignored otherwise. You deserve to be listened to and understood, and the best way to do this is to allow people to see everything you suffered.
Seek A Lawyer Who Understands
Legal aid should understand what you’ve been through and know that the help you’re requesting isn’t out of the norm. Find a fantastic personal injury lawyer who recognizes what you’ve experienced and is interested in getting you the help you require. Although this may mean interviewing a few lawyers or legal firms, don’t be afraid of doing this legwork. Ask for references from any legal professionals you talk to, and discuss why it’s so important to you that you take on this case. If they don’t get it or refuse references, it’s time to seek other counsel.
Be Clear On Your Needs Both Financial and Otherwise
Make it clear to both your attorney and the court what’s needed for you to get back on your feet. This could mean clarity on the number of injuries you suffered, how this will affect your life in the long term, what it’s done to your mental health, and what it’s done to your ability to work. This may feel like overkill, but when a personal injury touches every part of your life, you must make it clear to anyone who needs to know.
Don’t Fold to the First Settlement Offer
Many get so excited to receive a settlement offer that they accept it immediately instead of carefully considering if it’s enough. You can send a counteroffer to try and get them to take what’s necessary, and if you don’t you could be losing out on money. When they send you an offer, counter with what you need, citing your injuries from all sections of your life, and make it clear that you’re not backing down.
Be Aware of the Case Statistics
This may lead you to court, so it’s a good idea to try to understand what the numbers will look like for you. Currently, 90% of personal injury cases settle outside of court, which is a high number, but only 5% of that remaining 10% can win their case. This can be terrifying to someone unsure, and that’s okay. There are plenty of ways to win a court case, and as long as your case is strong enough and your lawyer is capable, you can win.
