Have you been injured due to the negligence of another party? If you’ve consulted with an attorney and they confirm you have a case for personal injury, take care moving forward. These mistakes to avoid during a personal injury lawsuit could negatively affect your case.
Choosing the Wrong Lawyer
Do you know how many personal injury lawyers are out there? There are over 100,000 in the United States alone. Many of them will be eager to take your case, but avoid choosing the first one you see.
Interview a few potential attorneys and look for one that is prompt, task-oriented, and ready to listen to your entire story. A lawyer that treats you with empathy will fight harder for you in court.
Waiting Too Long
Many states will only give you two years from the date of your injury to file a claim. If you snooze, you will likely lose.
Start the process as soon as possible after your injury. Gather all medical bills and associated paperwork to present to your attorney. The legal system moves very slowly—you may think two years is plenty of time, but there are dozens of other moving parts in your case to consider.
Skipping the Doctor’s Office
Get checked out by a doctor immediately after your accident. You’ll need documentation of every part of your injury, from fractured ribs to lacerations. If you don’t have ample evidence of the extent of your injury, that lack of information could hurt your case.
Keep up with all follow-up appointments and follow your doctor’s orders. You will need to prove that your ordeal caused lasting pain and suffering.
Talking Too Much
Even if you want to tell your friends and family you’re okay after your injury, keep it off social media. Remain tight-lipped during the entirety of the lawsuit process—because insurance companies are keeping tabs on you. Any of your posts on social media can be used against you in court.
For example, if you are claiming that your injury severely impacts your ability to exercise, don’t post photos of yourself in athletic gear. Avoid “checking in” at gyms or yoga studios, even if you’re just accompanying a friend.
A personal injury suit can earn you fair restitution for your painful ordeal. However, in order to win that settlement, you’ll need some legal savvy of your own. Know the rules and how not to break them! Remember these top mistakes to avoid during a personal injury lawsuit and protect your case from crumbling.
