Filing a personal injury claim is a challenging a tedious process. In particular, if you have the burden of a large medical expense, you are likely to make irrational decision. It’s for this reason we’ve compiled a list of the 8 crucial things that you ought to know before filing a personal injury claim.
In the section below, we shall highlight some of the crucial things that you should know before making a personal injury claim.
Personal Injury Claim is More Than an Accident
We shall derive our first crucial note from the definition of personal injury. Typically, a majority of personal injury claim are a result of a motor accident or motor collisions. However, personal injury law applies to any instance in which one suffers harm due to the negligence of other entities, and this includes accidents, medical malpractice, slips and falls, and more.
A personal injury might also be derived from lawsuits related to defective consumer products, dog bites, and even wrongful death.
Insurance Company Settlement is Unfair
Insurance companies are in business to make profits and will do everything in their power to limit what they compensate you for medical; expenses, and other damages. It’s for this reason that clients are always advised to seek the services of a professional attorney to ensure their claim is not undervalued.
Personal Injury Claims are Different
While the fundamental steps are shared by all personal injury legal action, the claims themselves differ significantly, depending on the type of injury and other factors-this pings us back to the first point.
Likewise, different states have different laws and varying interpretations. As such, a case in Texas might be settled different from that in California.
Working with a Professional Attorney Matters
Filing a personal injury claim is both physically and emotionally draining. In most cases, claimants are usually plagued by medical expenses and are unable to return to their jobs. A personal injury case led by a Los Angeles, personal injury attorney, however, will relieve you some stress, offer peace of mind while allowing you to focus on recovery.
A professional attorney understands your physical, mental, and financial condition and will work towards providing you with the best opportunity of receiving fair compensation.
There’s a Time Limit for Filing Claims
Once you’re involved in an accident, there’s a period in which you’re allowed to file a claim, and after it has elapsed, you’re essentially forfeiting your rights to bring suit to the responsible party.
In California, for instance, victims of personal injuries are given two years to file a claim.
Compensation can be Extensive
As we had mentioned earlier, personal injury compensation is more than the injury harm that you’re inflicted on your body.
Typically, personal injury claims will include:
- Medical expenses, including future
- Loss of earning
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
In the event of wrongful death, the scope of personal injury will extend to:
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship
Basically, compensation for a personal injury will greatly vary, depending on the individual circumstances of the case.
Some Cases Take Time
Burdened with the mounting medical expenses and potential of inability to work, some of the victims are coerced or pressured to take the first offer from the insurance providers.
However, before accepting the initial settlement offer, it would be in your best interest to discuss you’re your attorney.
While a majority of personal injury cases are often settled within a few months, some, especially those that end up in court, may take up to 12 months or longer.
Some Case Might Settle Out of Court
Most of the personal injury cases, especially those that are not life-threatening or severe, are settled out of court, either through negotiation or mediation. Whichever way, you should always have a legal representative to ensure that they negotiate on your behalf, and achieve an agreeable and timely settlement.
Attorneys also have the courtroom expertise necessary to case your case to trial in case the settlement offers are unjust.
