If you’re injured due to the actions or behavior of an outside party, you may be entitled to a settlement. Before you can find out what you might receive, you will have to file a personal injury lawsuit, which can be incredibly comprehensive. Before starting this journey, there are a few things you should know.
Get a lawyer who specializes in these cases
When you get injured and need compensation, one of the first things you will need to do is consider hiring a lawyer, depending on how severe your injury is. Many lawyers specialize in different areas of the law, so you will need to find one who knows how to deal with personal injury suits and can take care of you throughout the process. Finding experts like the ones at Little Rock Law Firm can help protect you from potential losses.
Get medical attention
Of course, if you are bleeding or injured enough that you know you need to visit the hospital, you should seek medical attention immediately. Don’t wait to see if things will get better. Injuries are complicated, and by waiting, not only do you risk your health, but it will be much harder to claim any injuries you received were due to the initial accident. If you experience pain or notice any visible signs of damage, get medical attention as soon as possible.
There is likely a statute of limitations to abide by
If you are dealing with an injury and you might need to pursue legal action, it’s essential to keep in mind that there is a time limit by which you must report the injury, seek treatment, and gain legal counsel. These time limits are called a statute of limitations and can vary depending on where you live. You can contact a local professional to help determine how soon you need to start the process.
Your recovery won’t take precedence
You must be the most outspoken advocate for your health. Unfortunately, insurance companies won’t wait for you to recover before figuring out how to pay for your medical expenses. You will need to check in, pay close attention to who your insurance is billing, and ensure you aren’t hit with any surprise bills. This concern makes it even more vital that you pursue legal action early because there is always the risk of a financial loss if you can’t work.
Keep your expectations reasonable for a settlement
Even if the incident is clearly a result of another party, such as a company or business, don’t assume they will be interested in settling early. It is wise to assume they will not be interested in settling at all. Be diligent about your pursuit of action, and always follow the advice of your legal counsel. In the end, you may receive a settlement, but it might be less than you expect, and remember that your lawyer will take a share.
The timeline is probably longer than you think
Everyone hopes for a speedy recovery and a settlement to be reached promptly, but unfortunately, these things typically take quite a bit of time to work out. Depending on the severity of your injuries, it can take anywhere from a few months to several years to settle. This timeline is why it is so important to stay on top of the proceedings and follow all of the instructions you receive from your doctors and legal counsel.
You’re responsible for keeping track of timelines
You are responsible for determining what you need to do next and when. You will ultimately be in charge of keeping track of your timelines and care, which means it is also your responsibility to know when the statute of limitations is up.
It’s also your job to know when to go to appointments and meetings with lawyers or the other party. You should not expect lawyers, the insurance company, or the party at fault to help you keep track of the case.
Final thoughts
Personal injuries are confusing to navigate, and it can be easy to make a misstep. This inherent complexity makes it incredibly important to do careful research and talk to a professional before making any decisions.
