If you fell and were injured when in a business or if a product that you purchased there caused you harm, you may want to file a personal injury claim against the business. In order for the lawsuit to be successful, you need to thoroughly document what happened and reach out to a personal injury lawyer that will help you build a solid case and, if needed, take you through any negotiations with the other party or through trial if the claim goes to court.
What should I do after my injury?
Get Medical Attention and Document Your Injuries
The most important action you must take after being injured is to seek medical attention. If you are unable to drive yourself, call an ambulance and get to the nearest emergency room right away.
Even if your injuries appear to be minor, your doctor may discover internal injuries requiring medical attention. Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding any treatment, therapies, or medications you must take. Keep a detailed file of all your expenses as well as the medical procedures you receive. Request and hold on to all medical records. Document your injuries by taking pictures from the moment they happened and as the healing progresses.
Get Testimony from Witnesses
If there was anybody present when your injury happened, ask for their contact information and their testimony. Your attorney may have to reach out to them at a later date to testify. If any employee at the store was also a witness, get their information as well.
Document the scene by taking pictures as soon as possible so that no evidence might be lost. If you are too injured to do it, ask bystanders to take pictures for you.
Get a Personal Injury Lawyer
Think about it: the defendant will more than likely have legal representation, and you should too. Don’t attempt to proceed without a personal injury lawyer on your side. Also, hm-attorneys.com points out that many personal injury attorneys take these cases on a contingency basis, meaning there is no out-of-pocket cost to you. Once you find your lawyer, you will be told if there are any costs you might be responsible for.
Your attorney will work with you to understand the extent of your injuries and the incident that caused them. They will also determine the amount of damages you might be entitled to. In these cases, victims are able to claim what is referred to as economic damages, which may include:
- The costs associated with your medical treatments and everything you have undergone in order to recover your health
- The wages you have lost due to your inability to return to work as you are facing these medical issues
- Any property damage you suffered as you were injured
Other damages are not so easy to quantify, and the amount attached to them will be directly related to the severity of your injuries. These are called non-economic damages and they may include, among others:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability and disfigurement
If your injuries are quite extensive, the court may also consider awarding punitive damages. Your attorney will advise you on whether it is reasonable to expect punitive damages for your claim.
Interesting related article: “What is a Lawyer?“