7 Ways To Lose Your Personal Injury Case
After suffering an injury due to the negligence of another party, you can file a personal injury claim and seek compensation. The steps you take after suffering your injury can impact the outcome of your case, either positively or negatively. There are many ways to shoot yourself in the foot and lose a personal injury case. Losing a personal injury case can be frustrating, especially when the outcome could have been different had you done things differently. Below are some ways you can undermine your personal injury case and potentially lose the compensation you deserve.
- Delaying To Seek Medical Care
Waiting to seek medical treatment can be a huge pitfall for your personal injury case. If you delay seeking medical care, the at-fault party’s insurance company and attorney might argue that your injuries were caused by something else or are not as severe as you claim. This can make it significantly more challenging to get the compensation you deserve.
- Failing To Keep Documentation or Gather Evidence
In order to recover full compensation for your injuries and damages, you must prove that the other party caused your injuries. You must also prove the damages you sustained. Documentation or evidence is the key to proving liability and damages. Failing to keep proper documentation or gather evidence can significantly hurt your case. Important documentation and evidence include medical records, photos of the scene, witness statements, police reports, pay stubs, and employment records.
- Not Following Your Doctor’s Advice
It is vital to follow your doctor’s advice. Disobeying your doctor’s advice can give the impression that you are uninjured or your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
- Speaking to the Insurance Company Before Speaking to an Attorney
Insurance companies are in the business of making profits. Insurance adjusters are trained to find ways to reduce or evade liability. When you speak to an insurance adjuster before speaking to a lawyer, they may try to trick you. An attorney can protect you from the tricks used by insurance companies.
- Not Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
While you are not legally required to hire a personal injury attorney, it is in your best interest to hire an attorney. Personal injury cases can be complex. These cases involve nuanced legal procedures and strict deadlines. Interacting with insurance companies can also be overwhelming. Personal injury attorneys understand how to navigate these issues and work towards achieving the best possible outcome.
- Waiting Too Long To Act
Laws are in place that limit the time for filing personal injury cases, which are known as statutes of limitations. In Florida, a personal injury case must be filed within two years of the injury date. Failing to file your claim within the required timeframe can result in the loss of your right to seek compensation. You should not wait too long to contact an attorney since gathering evidence and building a strong case takes time.
- Not Cooperating With Your Attorney
Failure to provide crucial information, follow legal advice, or attend meetings can weaken your case, hinder negotiations and even result in you losing your case.
Contact Us for Legal Help
Our West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help you seek compensation for your injuries and damages. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Daytona Beach, Bradenton, Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, Ocala, Orlando, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, and Melbourne areas.
Source:
law.cornell.edu/wex/statute_of_limitations
