The outcome of your spinal cord injury claim is going to depend on a variety of factors. While some will inevitably be out of your control, like the liable party’s available insurance coverage, others will depend on the actions you take—or fail to take—in the aftermath of the accident.
In other words, there are things you can do to increase your chances of securing a satisfactory payout that covers all the losses you end up incurring. Read on to learn what they are, so you can put together a claim that’s as strong as possible:
1. Follow All Medical Advice
When reviewing your claim, the insurance adjuster is going to consider whether you took reasonable measures to mitigate the damages you incurred. That generally starts with prioritizing your medical care. For example, they’re going to want to see that you followed your doctor’s orders, attended all physical therapy sessions, and ultimately took your rehabilitation seriously.
2. Log Damages You Want to Claim Diligently
Even if the insurance adjuster decides your claim is legitimate, you’ll only be able to seek compensation for losses you can prove you actually incurred. As such, it’s imperative to preserve all the bills and receipts that correspond with your injury-related expenses.
As for logging your non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, the easiest way is to keep a daily journal. Write about the ways in which your condition is hurting your quality of life and the hurdles your face as a result.
3. Stay off Social Media
Before you post about your SCI on social media, consider the potential ramifications if the insurance adjuster were to stumble across the content. If there’s even a chance the post could be interpreted in such a way that it allows them to challenge your credibility, it’s best to avoid publishing it at all.
4. Refuse to Give a Recorded Statement
If you give the insurance adjuster a statement “on the record” and any aspect of it turns out to be inaccurate, they’ll have cause to question your entire claim. For this reason, it’s wise to refuse to discuss the case at all until your legal team has completed their investigation and you’ve reached maximum medical improvement. And even then, it’s advisable to let your lawyer handle all correspondence, which brings us to the final strategy.
5. Defer to a Seasoned Injury Claim Professional
A resourceful personal injury attorney can guide your claim through every stage of the proceedings, so you can focus on your recovery. Your lawyer will compile evidence, total the damages, negotiate for a fair settlement, and, if necessary, prepare your case for court.
Discuss Your Case with a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in Long Beach
Your Injuries Are Personal to Me
For help with your personal injury claim, turn to the Law Office of Michael D. Waks. A top-rated trial attorney, Michael D. Waks won’t charge any legal fees unless he secures compensation on your behalf. Call (562) 206-1939or complete our Contact Form to set up your free case review with a spinal cord injury lawyer in Long Beach.