The period immediately following a slip and fall injury or accident is usually a time that involves stress and confusion. Your health, however, should be your first concern, after which you should think about filing a personal injury suit for compensation. Below are a few frequently asked questions about the initial steps in filing a claim.
What is the first step after I sustain an injury?
After seeking medical attention there are several actions you must take to safeguard your right to compensation. The following steps, in no set order, should always be completed following an accident in which you sustained injuries:
- Gather evidence to show who was responsible for the accident and any subsequent damage. Photographs are very helpful where this step is concerned.
- Write everything that happens to you after the incident. For example, keep track of any lost wages, hospital visits, and medical bills.
- Make every effort to acquire the names and contact information of possible witnesses who may have seen what happened. Contact them without delay in order to confirm the information.
- During conversations with other men and women who were involved, make notes about anything they say concerning the accident, even if it sounds insignificant at the time.
- Inform anyone you are considering filing suit against that you plan to file a suit for your property damage or injuries.
How long do I have to tell someone I plan to file a suit against him or her?
When planning to file a claim against a person or company that is not a government agency, there is no set time during which you must inform them of your intentions. Nevertheless, you should not procrastinate with regard to this matter. By acting efficiently and promptly, you significantly increase your chances of a fast resolution to your case.
It is also wise to remember that although you have notified a person of your intentions to file a lawsuit, you are not required to follow through with your plans. By informing the person that this is what you intend to do, you are simply preserving your rights and preventing other individuals from using your failure to inform them in a timely manner as a defense. By notifying any involved parties, you are ensuring that you can move forward with legal negotiations and have your case mediated and settled without feeling rushed or pressured.
What is the time limit regarding the filing of a lawsuit for injury compensation?
Unlike simply notifying other involved parties of your intentions, there is a time limit with regard to the actual filing of your suit. It can be a time-consuming process to settle a personal injury case, and if it is not filed promptly, you may find yourself unable to collect appropriate compensation. This is due to certain laws referred to as “statutes of limitations” that give you a specific amount of time in which to file certain kinds of lawsuits. If you procrastinate and allow this deadline to pass, you may be entirely barred from ever filing a suit for compensation for your injuries. For this reason, it is essential to check statutes of limitation laws in your state so that you can keep an eye on the calendar regarding this matter.
How soon must I file a personal injury suit against a government entity?
If you are planning to file a claim against a government agency or employee, there is a time limit concerning when they must be informed and when the lawsuit must be filed. Depending on your specific type of case and the state in which you live, the time frame is generally between 30 and 365 days. If this deadline passes, compensation for property damage or injuries may be forfeited.
Is free legal advice option?
It is possible to settle an injury case from a slip and fall accident or automobile collision without professional help. However, in most successful cases, particularly those involving a business, the injured person is represented by an attorney. In order to efficiently protect your rights, you should have your own lawyer review your claim at no cost. Once this takes place, you can decide whether or not you want to pursue a lawsuit, and if so, move on to future steps.
