Mistakes to Avoid as an Injured Claimant

Attempting to Obtain Full Compensation Without a Lawyer

Often times injured claimants try to sidestep the hiring of an Attorney in an effort to avoid having to pay attorneys fees and costs. However, Insurance companies will assume that because you didn’t seek professional legal assistance, you just want some quick money, and do not intend or desire to seek full compensation for the full extent of your injuries and losses over your lifetime.The Insurance Company Adjusters will also recognize you do not have the training and experience to evaluate what full and fair compensation would be, particularly when you have not reached the point of maximum physical recovery, and do not yet know what your prognosis or future care needs may be. A Personal Injury Attorney with the requisite skills and training will be able to properly evaluate you case, and recognize what must be accomplished to fully determine the full and fair compensation for the injuries and losses suffered.

Lack of Candor & Honesty

Some injured claimants make the mistake of not telling their Attorney all the facts and circumstances of the accident or incident, or they try to hide prior medical problems, or past legal problems. This failure to fully disclose everything, whether intentional or not, is not only detrimental to your Attorney’s opportunity for success with your potential claim, but you may find the Court can dismiss your case entirely, and even order you to pay sanctions, or see that criminal charges are brought such as perjury, for lying under oath. It is of the utmost importance that your Lawyer is made aware of everything relevant to your claim. He can thereafter better evaluate and prepare your case, as well as handle any negative aspects of your claim in the best possible manner.

Understanding There is a Record Trail

We find today that information, records, photographs, etc. are accessible and available everywhere. The defense attorneys and insurance companies will seek to obtain all records of your prior accidents, insurance claims, medical records, employment records, etc. You can’t hide your past medical care and treatment. It will eventually be referred to or show up in another doctor’s medical records , or in insurance company’s records, or in a database of the insurance industry. Insurance companies will not hesitate to look up your facebook page, and other social media sources, so be mindful of what you post or allow to be posted on your profiles.

Not Following Through With Necessary Medical Care

It is necessary to prove the extent and nature of any injuries, the causal relationship of injuries or death to the incident, prognosis and future care needs, through your treating physicians or retained medical experts. It is extremely important that clients follow through with medically necessary care, treatment, diagnostic tests, and recommendations. The medical documentation and testimony by the physicians and experts, become the building blocks upon which an insurance company will base its settlement offer, and a jury will base its verdict. It is extremely important to maintain continuity of care and treatment for your injuries.

For More Information on the appropriate steps to take following an accident or injury don’t hesitate to Contact the Attorneys at the Law Offices of Roselli & McNelis