Accidents happen, or at least that’s what some people say. While that may be partly true, most accidents are preventable. If you’ve been injured when it wasn’t your fault, chances are you are entitled to compensation – particularly if you get injured in a retail environment.
Filing a personal injury claim is crucial to maximizing your potential compensation. Making a full recovery is much quicker and easier with access to proper medical care – and that costs a lot of money.
Follow these seven tips for maximizing compensation for your injury claim:
1. Gather Information
The key to preserving evidence for your case is data collection. Be as thorough as you possibly can during your investigation of the incident. Look for witnesses to collect their statements or ask a friend to do that if you cannot.
Don’t leave out anything that pertains to the incident. Gather medical and police reports, check to ensure they are as accurate as possible, and then use these in your defense. Your personal injury lawyer will need all the information and evidence they can get.
2. Take Photos
Photos are one of the best types of evidence for presenting proof for your claim. The decision-makers involved with your case will be better able to evaluate your claim with visual proof – instead of having to rely on witness statements alone.
Don’t hold back, the more photos, the better! Especially if you can get photographic evidence of the incident from multiple angles; that way, nothing is left to interpretation, and everything is as clear as day.
3. Get Medical Care
Regardless of the nature of your injury, you must get medical attention as soon as possible after the incident, even if it happens in a co-working space. It is almost impossible for the victim to tell how bad their injuries are, especially with adrenalin pumping through the veins after an incident.
Let a physician check your health and inspect you for injuries you may not have even noticed yet. If your injury is severe, have someone keep a diary for you and record all treatments – including physical therapy sessions.
4. Be Specific
When making a claim, it is better to ask for a specific amount – never ask for an undefined amount. An experienced professional like attorney Je Yon Jung can help you determine how much you should be asking for based on your individual case.
Remember that your personal injury compensation amount needs to include more than just your medical costs. The amount you intend to claim should also include lost earnings, trauma counseling, and potential future damages.
Ensure that you stick to your amount and get the compensation you deserve.
5. Emotional Injury Compensation
All medical examinations following your injury should be claimed for – and not just the physical ones. Depending on the nature of the injury, you could feasibly have emotional and psychological injuries too.
Flashbacks of the incident can cause high anxiety levels that require treatment – much like a physical injury. Keep a record of all appointments with a psychologist and any treatments of an emotional or psychological nature. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health – internal traumas can lead to untold hidden damages.
6. Stay Off Social Media
Following your injury, it is best to stay off social media. Everything you post – or comment on – can and probably will be used against you. Don’t share photos during this time because your opponent will likely try to use those against you or take them out of context.
Remain quiet about the incident, your prognosis, and the settlement amount you are seeking. Let your personal injury lawyer speak on your behalf when they need to.
7. Be Patient
If your case is strong enough, you will start receiving settlement offers. Don’t be an eager beaver. Take your time and be patient. Hold out for the best offer, and don’t settle for anything less.
As tempting as it may be to accept the first few offers that come your way, you could be settling to your detriment. Always rely on the advice of your lawyer, because that will steer you in the right direction and ensure you receive maximum compensation.
To End
To get the most out of your claim, always be professional. Show up on time for hearings, dress respectfully, and always stay calm. Demonstrate class and professionalism, listen carefully, and speak thoughtfully – it will pay off. Keep a level head and it will be over before you know it.