If you have been injured due to someone else’s actions or negligence, then of course you will want to look for compensation to help you recover and move forward in your life. While every case is unique, there are several key steps you can take to maximize the amount you receive in compensation. From consulting a personal injury lawyer in Katy to keeping track of all your medical expenses, we can ensure that you know everything that you need to get the recompense you deserve.

How Can I Maximize My Compensation in a Personal Injury Case?

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

One of the most important steps after an injury is to seek medical treatment right away. Prompt medical care ensures that your injuries are properly diagnosed and documented, both protecting your health and providing the evidence that you will need in a personal injury case. This evidence will demonstrate the severity of your injuries and their connection to the incident. Delaying treatment can create gaps in your medical history, which insurance companies may use to dispute your claims.

Notify the Necessary People

Whether you have been injured at work, at a business, in a car accident, by a defective product, or in a way involving a government entity, there are people you will need to contact to make sure you can file a personal injury suit and to maximize the potential result of the suit. Who you notify will depend on the type of injury and where it happened.

When Injured at Work

Unlike when filing a workers’ comp claim, you do not technically need to inform your employer if you have been injured in an accident at work and will be filing a personal injury claim. However, if you want to maximize your compensation, you really should. It is important to notify your employer of any injuries as soon as possible as this creates a record of the incident, preventing your employer from claiming that your injury was not work-related and also strengthening your case.

When Injured in a Business

If you are injured in a shop or similar place of business, you should report the injury immediately to the management and request an incident report detailing the incident. This serves as evidence of what happened and can be used in your legal proceedings. If the company has liability insurance, you may also need to notify them individually, and your lawyer can help you find out about what to do if that’s the case.

When in a Car Accident

If you’re in a car accident, you should always call 911 to notify the police, even if you don’t think you’ve been injured. It is important to have a police report to document the circumstances of the accident and verify who is at fault. You should also notify your own insurance company, even if you are wholly without fault, and the other driver’s insurance company as well.

When the Injury Involves a Defective Product

If you were using a product for its intended purpose but have been injured because it is defective, you should document the issue and notify the manufacturer and retailer. You may want to take pictures to attach alongside your description of the issue. You may also choose to report the unsafe product to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which can later be used to show that you considered it to be a danger to others.

When a Government Entity Is Involved

Unlike a general personal injury case, if your injury is the result of the actions or negligence of a government entity, such as a city, county, or state agency, the statute of limitations is not two years. Rather, the relevant entity must be notified in writing within six months, or in some cases, even sooner.

Preserve and Gather Evidence

It is important to present strong evidence in your case to maximize your compensation. This evidence can be gathered from the moment of the initial incident but should also include information relating to your injury that comes later. Keep all the relevant information together and organized so that you can have it to hand when needed.

Photographs and videos can be very effective in showing the scene of the accident. Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. If there were any witnesses, try to get their contact information and written statements if possible. If law enforcement was involved, you should request a copy of the report as it is a trusted information source which will have notes as to liability.

Keep all documentation related to your medical treatment, including prescriptions, physical therapy, and hospital stays. If you have lost income due to your injuries, maintain records of missed work and any employer correspondence regarding your inability to perform job duties.

Be Cautious When Communicating with Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters often seek to minimize payouts, so it is best to approach conversations with them carefully. Avoid giving recorded statements without legal representation, as your words can be misinterpreted and used against you. Do not accept an initial settlement offer without a thorough review, as these offers are often lower than what you may be entitled to receive.

Follow the Instructions of Your Doctors

It is very important to attend all your medical appointments and to follow the instructions of your doctors and any other medical professionals. If you fail to attend appointments or discontinue your treatment early, insurance companies can use this to argue that your injuries are not as severe as claimed. Additionally, making sure that your ongoing pain and limitations are documented in your medical notes can help illustrate the long-term impact of your injuries which reinforces your claim.

Avoid Posting on Social Media

Insurance companies and opposing legal teams may monitor your social media for any evidence that contradicts your claims. You should avoid discussing your case online and also be mindful of any posts that could be used to argue that your injuries are less serious than stated.

Be Prepared To Go to Trial

While it is most usual for a personal injury case to be settled before it is necessary, being prepared to go to court can strengthen your negotiating position. Insurance companies are more likely to offer a fair settlement if they know you and your legal team are willing and ready to present your case in front of a jury.

Work with an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in Katy

It is not always easy to be involved in a personal injury case, especially when you are trying to manage it alongside healing from an injury. That’s where your personal injury attorney comes in; we can help you build a strong case, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent you in court. With our knowledge of the law, our skilled attorneys can help maximize the compensation you receive by ensuring that your case is presented effectively.

An injury that isn’t your fault can stir up a lot of emotions, but we can help bring you through the difficulties of the legal process to the most favorable settlement possible. To find out more, get in touch with us at the Law Office of Shane McClelland in Katy, TX and Sugarland, TX.