It’s an unfortunate fact to consider, but the truth is that any person is at risk for a personal injury at any time. From slips and falls to car accidents, there’s no telling when you may find yourself facing an injury. In the most extreme cases, car accidents or acts of negligence can even lead to wrongful death. Car accidents aren’t even uncommon, either. Roughly 38,000 people are killed in these crashes every year in the U.S. Millions of survivors will have injuries bad enough to require medical attention.
If you believe that you were wrongfully injured due to the negligence or malicious intent of another party, then you’ll understandably want fair compensation for your suffering, medical bills, and lost wages due to the injury. Of course, not all wounds are physical, and you may find yourself in need of counseling as well. Here are a few important steps to take following a traumatic personal injury.
Seek immediate medical treatment.
This should be the first thing on your mind following an injury, simply for your own safety, but it serves another purpose as well. Seeing a medical professional right away helps to prove that your injuries were sustained in the accident or whatever event you claim caused them. An insurance company doesn’t make money by actually paying out personal injury claims, so they may try to challenge your word. This will go double for a defendant in a lawsuit. You want your medical records to support your story as much as possible.
Your medical records may also play a role in calculating the damages you suffered, which will affect the amount you’re awarded in a settlement or positive verdict. Make sure to attend any follow-up appointments, and keep your doctor updated on your condition, so your medical records are always accurate.
Find a personal injury lawyer.
You may be fortunate enough that the insurance company pays you fair compensation following your injury, but if not, then you may need the help of an attorney like this New Orleans personal injury lawyer. A personal injury attorney with years of experience is used to dealing with insurance providers and can give you your best chance at a positive personal injury case result.
It’s a good idea to collect as much evidence about your injury as you can before going to the free consultation. This is because personal injury lawyers are generally paid on contingent fees. This means that you’ll only need to pay a percentage of your settlement if you win the case. While this may seem relatively low-risk for you, an attorney has to be careful about which cases they accept under these conditions.
Your medical records, any photographic evidence of your injury or the accident scene, as well as a police report or witness statement will go a long way toward proving that you have a case. If you think you’ve found a law firm that’s a good match, be sure to update them on any developments in your condition, as these can affect your case.
Find the right therapist, if needed.
Injuries aren’t just physical—they inherently come with emotional stress as well, and a particularly traumatic injury may have an impact on your mental health as well. Serious injuries can result in conditions like PTSD, anxiety disorders, or depression, just to name a few possibilities. You’ll need someone with compassion to talk to after such as event. Family members and friends might be fine, or you might need to find a good therapist.
Fortunately, there are some great online guides on how to find a therapist that can help you get started on your search and find a good fit for your needs. In fact, your first appointment with a potential therapist will be all about seeing if you’re a good match for each other. If you’re comfortable moving forward, then you may start exploring types of therapy that will be beneficial in your situation. Remember that you aren’t alone following a traumatic injury, and with the right help, you’ll have your best chance at a positive outcome.