While the details are still fresh in your mind, write down what happened as soon as possible following an accident or suspected malpractice. Keep a journal with details of everything that occurs in the aftermath of any incident, including phone calls, appointments, loss of a job or pay, and repairs to your personal property.
Investigate whether or not insurance coverage will pay for the treatment of your injuries.
Injuries sustained in motor vehicle collisions may be compensated by car insurance companies, whereas injuries suffered on another person’s property may be compensated by property-liability insurers. Understanding whether an insurance policy covers you will help you determine whether your legal action will result in monetary damages being awarded to you.
Even if you take the case to court and the judge or jury decides that the defendant is responsible for your injuries, you may never get compensation for your losses if that person is bankrupt.
Gather the Necessary Proof
When you can, photograph both the injuries and location where they occurred, as well as any other forms of damage or information that is significant. For instance, if you took a fall while walking on a public or private sidewalk, be sure to snap photographs of where you landed. Take pictures in every direction and angle so your attorney can use them later. In the immediate aftermath of the event, you should also photograph any injuries and damage done to property. Consider taking images of your wounds at regular intervals while they are healing as well if you suffered any physical trauma.
Make every effort to save any tangible evidence, but if you cannot do so, you should snap a photograph of it. For instance, if your automobile was damaged, you should document the damage with photos before having it repaired. Either use a camera that time-stamps all your shots or bring a witness with you who can attest to the date and time you took the photographs.
Collect the names and contact details of any potential witnesses. If anyone observed the accident, get their name and phone number or some other method of contacting them in case you need them to testify later.Take notes or record the discussion if you can, as well, and write down the date and time you interacted with that person.
Consult an Attorney
Because Philadelphia personal injury lawyers often work on contingency, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t employ one to assist you. But take care to choose one with the right experience for your case. If you were hurt in a vehicle accident, you may not want to engage a lawyer specializing in slip-and-fall cases. In the case of medical malpractice, you’ll want to employ a law firm specializing in such things.
When you initially meet with the attorney, find out how long they’ve been practicing, how much experience they have with your kind of claim, and what outcomes they’ve obtained in the past with claims similar to yours.
If you want to sue a firm or an insurance company, they will almost certainly have their lawyers, and although you could try to settle a claim on your own, you may discover that having an attorney on your side gets you a better outcome. Before employing an attorney, make sure you feel at ease speaking with them, dealing with them, and understanding how their office functions. For example, if you like a hands-on attorney who is physically accessible to you, be sure that the attorney you’ve selected will not delegate a significant amount of work on your case to a paralegal or other staff member.
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