In the immediate aftermath of an injury, you’ll likely have a wide range of emotions. As medical bills begin to mount, you may start worrying about your financial situation, in addition to your physical and emotional challenges. If you feel that another person was to blame for your accident, you can file a personal injury claim. If you win your case, you could receive compensation to pay for your medical care, among other needs. Before you pursue a case, make sure you understand the proper steps to take.
Act Responsibly
To successfully file a personal injury lawsuit, you must follow some basic procedures following the incident. The worst thing you can do is leave the scene of the accident. If you are in a car collision, do not flee the area; remain there until law enforcement officers arrive. If you have injured in an accident at work, report it to your employer right away. Do not wait for months, weeks or even days to inform your manager or human resources what has happened.
Get Medical Care
In all types of accidents, you should let a doctor treat your injuries as soon after the incident as possible. In the most serious situations, you should go directly to the hospital via ambulance. Even if you don’t think your injuries warrant medical attention, you should visit your doctor anyway. Your physician can identify problems by conducting an examination or through tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans or ultrasounds. Also, some symptoms may not show up for weeks, but your doctor can evaluate your condition before you start to feel pain or discomfort. Getting a doctor’s assessment and proper treatment will help you build your personal injury case later on.
File an Insurance Claim
Before pursuing legal action, contact your insurance company so you can file a claim. If you are in a car accident, your auto insurance company should handle your claim. For other types of injuries, work with your health insurance company or with Workers’ Compensation (if the incident happens on the job).
Meet With an Attorney and File Your Lawsuit
An experienced personal injury attorney will review your medical records and study the facts of the accident. After doing so, your lawyer will determine whether your claim would have merit. If you both agree to move forward, your lawyer will formally file a lawsuit in court.
Make sure you follow these guidelines if you are interested in filing a personal injury case. Consult an attorney, like a personal injury lawyer in Minneapolis, MN, if you have more questions.
Thank you to the attorneys at Johnston | Martineau PLLP, for their insight into personal injury and the law.