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Personal injury lawsuits are the legal vehicle by which someone who was injured due to another party’s negligence recoups their financial losses. If you were hurt in a car wreck, suffered medical malpractice, slipped and fell at the gym, or were bitten by the neighbor’s dog, filing a personal injury claim is how you recover money spent on medical treatment, cover property damage, and receive compensation for pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life.
While you’re entitled to full and fair compensation for your damages, your idea and the defendant’s idea of a fair personal injury settlement are likely widely different. To obtain maximum compensation in your claim, there are several things you can do to help your West Palm Beach personal injury lawyers build a stronger case.
Always get a medical evaluation after an accident
Even if it feels like you weren’t hurt very badly after the accident, it’s still critical to get medical attention. Plaintiffs in personal injury cases are permitted to claim economic damages, including all necessary medical care for their injuries. If you cannot demonstrate that you were injured and that you subsequently suffered financial loss, then you may not have a basis to file suit.
You can also claim compensation for your property damage, such as repairing or replacing your vehicle, and lost wages if you missed time at work. However, to maximize your settlement, go to the doctor.
There’s another good reason to see a doctor: Hidden injuries. Many injuries don’t present symptoms right away, like whiplash, a stress fracture, muscle strains or sprains, and internal organ damage or internal bleeding. What you attribute to “just being shaken up” or sore may, in fact, be one of these types of hidden injuries. A doctor can examine you and properly diagnose injuries you may not realize you suffered.
Your medical records detail the extent of your injuries, including any physical therapy or long-term care you may need to recover. And, the post-accident medical report proves causality in your case, linking the incident to your injuries. It’s an important part of building a case of negligence against the at-fault party.
Hire a West Palm Beach personal injury lawyer
Plaintiffs in personal injury claims who have legal representation often secure a much higher settlement offer than those who don’t. Skilled personal injury attorneys understand how Florida rules of evidence work and how to use the information and evidence you give them (and the fruits of their own investigations) to build a strong case against the defendant.
If your case ends up going to trial, it’s important to have a lawyer represent you, as they know the protocols, what is and isn’t permissible to introduce as evidence, and what questions to ask.
Personal injury law firms also have access to critical resources to help build and value your case, like a private investigator to gather evidence and expert witnesses, a medical expert to affirm the extent of your injuries and how they were caused, vocational experts who testify about the impact of your injuries on your ability to work, and financial experts to properly value your claim.
Gather evidence to help build your case
Strong cases are based on plenty of evidence. Give anything related to the accident to your lawyer, including copies of your medical bills and property damage estimates, any photos or video footage of the incident, physical evidence from the accident scene, photos of your injuries, and any accident or incident report.
Don’t talk to the other party or their insurance adjuster
The defendant’s insurance company will seek any reason to deny or minimize your valid claim. Any statement you give to them can be twisted into an admission of guilt. If the insurance company contacts you, refer them to your lawyer. Your attorney can handle all the communications on your behalf and protect the integrity of your claim.
Florida’s comparative negligence laws permit plaintiffs to recover damages if they contributed less than 50% of the blame for the accident. If you are found to have contributed more than half of the blame, you can’t get compensation. So, insurance companies have a strong motive for placing as much of the blame as possible on you.
Working with an experienced personal injury attorney gives you the best chance of getting a fair settlement. It can help keep you from making mistakes that could jeopardize your eligibility for compensation.
Get help securing the compensation you deserve
You don’t have to handle your personal injury case alone. Working with the right legal team can make all the difference when it comes to maximizing your settlement and protecting your future.
Have you been hurt due to someone else’s negligence and need help getting the compensation you deserve? Contact an experienced personal injury attorney from Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath today by calling (561) 655-1990 or filling out our secure online contact form for a free consultation about your personal injury case.