Millions of Americans suffer from chronic pain as part of their daily lives. We will sometimes represent a client that had previous medical complications before their accident. For example, they are middle-aged and have experienced ongoing back pain. After a large accident, such as a slip and fall or car crash, can lead to even more issues. They are concerned that these new injuries will be disregarded as a pre-existing condition by defending attorneys. Even though every case is unique, fundamental principles can help document these injuries and help build a strong case for your injuries.
How to build a strong case for your injury
This key to achieving full compensation for your accident is to work with the best personal injury attorney you can find. If this is the first time you need legal representation, perhaps you will find our article on finding the right attorney for your help. We recommend using the power of the internet to see how your neighbors and local community rate your local law firms’ legal services. Many attorneys will be more than willing to provide a consultation or case review to understand your case from a legal perspective. This crucial meeting will help answer questions, establish a general timeframe, and give you an overall sense of what to expect with your legal proceedings.
Here are some key items to establish your case
Immediately after the accident
You must understand your actions, and the things you say can be taken out of context. For example, many people will be in a state of shock after a car crash. Because of this sudden rush of adrenaline, they do not feel pain as they usually would. Police officers or other witnesses may ask if you are ok. Even though their intentions may be good, saying things like, “I’m fine” or “I am not hurt at all” can be put in reports or testified to later. The point is, injuries such as ligament damage, nerve damage, or even a slipped disk may not show their signs until hours after the accident. This is one of the many reasons that you should always go to instant or emergency care facilities after an accident. Doing so will help ensure that your injuries are addressed and diagnosed by a medical professional. Secondarily your medical records will help to establish the injuries and damage sustained from the accident.
Following the accident
The more information you can gather, the more resources your attorney has to help “prove” your injuries result from the accident. In general, the more injuries sustained and the more serious they are in nature, the larger your case will be. You don’t want to be in a position where the outcome of your case is left uncertain. As a client, you must attend all your necessary medical procedures to document and treat your injuries. This includes visiting a chiropractor, obtaining x-rays, doing your physical therapy, and taking your medication. Depending on your case, your attorney may find it necessary to create other forms of evidence to ensure that you are fully compensated. This can include but is not limited to hiring an accident scene reconstructionist or working with a medical professional to detail a life-care plan. This document is sometimes necessary if your injuries will be a life-long struggle where you can no longer work or require special medical treatments for the duration of your life.
