Being seriously injured due to someone else’s negligence or a wrongful act can be one of the worst situations you can face in your lifetime. In a word, it can cause a complete upheaval of your world, and the worlds of those closest to you. But one thing is for sure, if you become a victim of a bad injury be it on the road, at work, or simply walking into your favorite watering hole, you will require the legal counsel from the best personal injury attorney you can find.
Says the law experts at Cohen and Winters, if another person or persons cause you injury through carelessness, you are likely angry. Maybe money won’t solve all your problems, but it will most definitely make things easier as you go forward. More importantly, you are seeking justice. It’s simply not fair for the person who has caused you or a loved one serious personal injury to walk away scot free.
That said, how can you guarantee the court will award you what you deserve when you engage in a personal injury case? How can you maximize the return on your personal financial injury case in the 2020s? According to a recent report by Injury Claim Coach, complicated cases such as dangerous drugs, medical malpractice, or product liability should only be handled by an experienced personal injury attorney. These are considered “high-dollar” cases and should not be handled by the victim on his or her own.
However, minor injury claims such as those caused by slip and falls, or car accidents can sometimes be settled without the help of an attorney. That is, if you’re willing to negotiate with the insurance company. But it’s still a best practice to at least consult with a personal injury attorney first before you do anything on your own.
Here are some tips for getting the maximum financial settlement for a personal injury case.
Get Organized
The first order of business is to organize all your injury-related evidence and documents into a single claim file prior to beginning negotiations with an insurance company. Access to police reports and other varieties of evidence of “no fault” is said to be relatively easy. An organized file of evidence will point to the insured as the person responsible and liable for your injuries. You will also likely need to use the evidence to eliminate the efforts by the insurance adjuster who will attempt to pin a portion of the blame on you.
It’s important to organize your medical records and bills by both date and provider. You might also create a detailed timeline that lists dates and types of medical treatment received. Make sure to have copies of your doctor’s notes restricting your ability to engage in work while recovering from your injuries.
Here is what your injury claim file should look like:
–All lost income documentation from your employer (or from yourself if you’re self-employed) such as wage or income statements.
–Statements from witnesses plus their phone numbers and email addresses.
–Photos of your injuries, automotive damage, and the location of the accident.
–Letters, emails, and other written communications to and from the insurance company that’s handling the case.
–Written logs and notes regarding your physical pain, trauma, and emotional distress.
Know What Your Claim is Worth
The total value of your claim is said to be calculated by the sum total of all your economic damages. This includes your medical bills, out of pocket medical expenses, and lost wages at work. You should then multiply the amount by one to two times to account for damages that are considered non-economic such as emotional suffering and chronic pain. The multiplier of one to two is said to be typical and appropriate for small to moderate personal injury cases (again, it’s best to consult with a lawyer on this).
Says Injury Claims Coach, fair settlement values for more serious injury claims will often include non-economic damages that are three to five times the total of all medical bills and expenses. Taken a step further, severe personal injury claims along with wrongful death cases must be handled by a reputable and experience personal injury attorney to get the maximum payout the injured party or his surviving family members deserve.
In the end, if you’ve suffered a minor personal injury from a fender bender or a slip and fall, you can go it alone in court. But if you’ve suffered a serious injury, you need to contact a reputable personal injury lawyer to handle your case. However, keep in mind that whenever there’s an injury involved, be it minor or severe, it’s always a best practice to consult with an attorney before you contact the insurance company.
Recent Comments