Even the smallest of accidents or injuries can come as a big shock, and they can be disruptive to your life in many different ways. From the emotional upset an accident can cause, to missing days off work, an accident has a big effect on your life, and therefore you may feel that you deserve some form of compensation. It’s now becoming more common for people to claim for personal injury, and there are many different firms out there who specialise in different aspects of it like Khan Law Firm . However, there are a few mistakes that can delay the process of your claim or derail it, and so it’s important that you avoid these potential problems.
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Not reporting the injury right away
Even with a minor accident, it’s important to get checked out, and that’s why most people go to A&E or their doctor even if there aren’t any visible injuries, as shock can often mask some of your symptoms. This also ensures that you have a record of the injury taking place, and medical notes to verify any symptoms you were suffering at the time.
If the incident takes place on work grounds then it’s important to get the accident book filled in by someone responsible for health and safety. This will ensure that there’s an accurate record of events, and can help if the case ends up going to court.
Not gathering evidence
If you are in a fit state to do so then getting some forms of evidence can really help later on. This can include:
- Taking photos of the accident scene
- Taking detailed photographs of your injuries
- Writing a thorough account of the incident while it’s fresh in your mind
- Taking the names and addresses of any witnesses
This can really help your legal team down the line, and means that you have a more solid account of what happened that can be passed on to investigators.
Trying to handle the case themselves
Although the other party may be keen to sit down with you and discuss the accident, it’s important that you seek legal advice before you sign anything or agree to a settlement. You need to look at options for a work accident claim or other action to ensure that the other party aren’t trying to get away with paying a lesser amount. Even if you are on good terms with your employer or the other party in the accident, there have been occasions when people have said the wrong thing or signed away their liability, making it harder to file a claim.
Waiting too long
Ideally you should find legal representation as soon as you have been looked over by medical staff and are out of immediate danger. Personal injury lawyers are great at offering support during difficult legal situations, and the sooner you start a claim the sooner it can get resolved.
Many people find themselves in difficult financial situations when they are off work with an injury, and therefore the last thing they need is a delay in their compensation. Some countries also have time limits to claim compensation, and this means that it’s important to start the process as soon as possible. Of course, if your injuries have just become apparent then you may be granted an extension by the court, but this can take longer.
Thinking you can’t afford to claim
There are lots of ways that people can claim for a personal injury, no matter what their financial situation, and these can include:
- No win, no fee solicitors
- Legal aid
- Insurance policies with legal expenses cover
Most law firms will offer a free initial consultation where you can find your options available, and this will allow you to decide what the best course of action would be.
Although it can be tough to think about the practicalities of legal action when you are still recovering from an accident, it’s essential to get the ball rolling as soon as possible. This will allow you to get a quicker resolution, get the compensation you deserve, and move on with your life.
