If you were seriously harmed due to another party’s negligence or recklessness, filing a catastrophic injury lawsuit could help you get fair compensation for your ordeal. However, your actions—or inactions—as the plaintiff have the power to make or break your own case. Many individuals make errors that end up tanking their lawsuits.
As you move forward with your case, learn the mistakes to avoid during the course of your catastrophic injury lawsuit to maintain its integrity. Gain knowledge from the errors of others so you don’t follow in their footsteps.
Skipping the Doctor
If you have been catastrophically injured, you must seek medical attention immediately—not only for your well-being, but for the sake of your lawsuit. The medical records you generate by going to the doctor are solid evidence of your suffering; they prove the extent of your injuries and your financial burden. Attend all scheduled appointments and follow your treatment plan to the letter.
Talking to the Defendant’s Insurance Adjuster
After your injury, you’ll want to notify the at-fault party’s insurance company of your injuries to get the claims process started. Their insurance adjuster may even reach out to you to ask how you’re doing and ask if they can record your statement.
Do not take these conversations lightly; you are by no means obligated to give a recorded statement. In fact, it may do you more harm than good since those adjusters are looking to catch you in a contradiction so they don’t have to pay you a fair settlement.
Posting Social Media Updates
While social media may be an integral part of your life, remember that the Internet is a public forum and any posts you make could be admissible as evidence. Even innocuous-seeming updates like telling your followers you’re okay after the accident can affect the outcome of your case.
Social media posts are a common reason for catastrophic injury lawsuit failures, as defendants’ attorneys can use them to argue that the injury couldn’t have been truly catastrophic. Stay quiet on social media until your case is finished.
Representing Yourself
While the American legal system certainly allows you to represent yourself in court, injury law has a great deal of ins and outs that are best handled by a professional attorney. Injury lawyers are highly skilled in courtroom procedures and settlement negotiations that will increase your chances of winning a fair settlement.
Are you in the midst of a catastrophic injury lawsuit? Avoid these common mistakes during the litigation process, and hire an attorney you trust to get you adequate compensation for your ordeal. Learning from the failures of others is a powerful way to seek out a positive outcome for yourself.
