Each year, millions of people across the United States sustain injuries due to the negligent or reckless actions of others. Whether it’s an auto accident, slip and fall, or medical malpractice, victims of personal injuries often face mounting medical bills, lost income, and long-term physical or emotional suffering.
If you’ve been hurt due to no fault of your own, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options for seeking fair compensation. This comprehensive guide from Ted Law Firm covers everything you need to know to pursue a personal injury claim, from documenting the incident to maximizing your potential settlement or court award.
Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys has been helping injury victims for years. We’ve obtained millions in compensation for clients and have the experience to fight for maximum value in even the most complex cases. By the end of this article, you’ll be well-equipped to take the next steps towards recovery and justice.
Documenting the Incident
Thorough documentation is crucial for any potential personal injury claim. Immediately following an accident or incident, take photos of the scene, injuries, and any related evidence. Get contact information from all witnesses. Seek medical attention right away and request copies of all records. Note details about how the incident occurred, including names and statements of those involved or responsible.
Filing an Insurance Claim
Contact the insurance provider of the party at fault as soon as possible to file a claim. They will request your statement, medical records, and other documentation. Cooperate fully with their investigation. However, be wary – adjusters work for the insurance company, not you, and may try to undervalue or deny your claim.
Hiring an Attorney
If your claim is denied or you have serious injuries requiring extensive treatment, it’s in your best interest to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer. They understand insurance tactics and can recognize unfair practices. Attorneys also know how to build a strong liability case and negotiate from a position of authority. Some claims may require filing a lawsuit to obtain fair compensation.
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases
- Car Accidents: Rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, rollovers, and more can cause injuries like fractures, herniated discs, traumatic brain injuries, and more. Auto accidents are one of the most common sources of injury claims.
- Premises Liability: Slip/trip-and-fall accidents on someone else’s property often stem from hazards like wet floors, unsecured cables, uneven pavement, and more. Victims can pursue claims for resulting injuries.
- Medical Malpractice: Errors, negligence, or lack of informed consent by doctors, nurses, and other medical staff can cause harm. Victims may be able to recover damages for prolonged recovery, additional costs, and suffering from preventable injuries.
- Workplace Injuries: On-the-job accidents due to unsafe conditions, improper training, or faulty equipment can lead to lost wages, medical costs, and long-term disability. Workers’ compensation and personal injury claims may apply.
- Dog Bites: Owners are responsible under law for injuries caused by their dogs. Victims can recover damages for medical treatment, pain/suffering, disfigurement, and more.
- Product Liability: Defective or dangerous products that cause harm due to manufacturing or design flaws can result in claims against the responsible company.
The Settlement and Litigation Process
Our attorneys will build a strong liability case and calculate the full value of all your damages, including medical bills, lost income, pain/suffering, long-term effects, and other out-of-pocket costs. We’ll negotiate vigorously with insurance companies and are prepared to file a lawsuit if needed to obtain a fair settlement for your injuries. Some cases may be resolved pre-trial through mediation.
Maximizing the Value of Your Claim
Our team has extensive experience maximizing personal injury claim values through aggressive negotiation tactics. We understand all applicable laws regarding liability, damages, insurance coverage limits, and precedent from past awards/settlements. We’ll utilize medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and life care planners to thoroughly document the full costs of your injury and recovery.
What Should I Do Now?
If you’ve sustained injuries due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, it’s important to take action. Contact the Ted Law Firm today for a free initial consultation to discuss your potential personal injury claim. We can evaluate your case and guide you on the best path forward to obtain maximum compensation through insurance settlement or lawsuit. Just talk to Ted at (888) 333-5555.
