No one leaves their home thinking they will have an incident that will lead to a serious personal injury. Yet, in 2021, 62 million people received medical attention for an injury they sustained.
Personal injury cases are surprisingly common in the US. There are so many different types of accidents that qualify for personal injury lawsuits. Everything from car accidents to medical malpractice comes under personal injuries.
Accidents of all kinds can happen at any time, day or night, and are unexpected. It’s easy to feel a wide array of emotions, especially when you’re not at fault. Everything from scared, stressed, angry, and confused can be felt in the moment and for months to come.
How you react to an accident and the steps you take after it happens, can make or break your chances of a successful personal injury claim or lawsuit.
Keep reading to learn more about what to do after you or a loved one experiences a serious personal injury.
After a Personal Injury Happens
Every personal injury case and situation is unique. There are some fundamental steps you should take if you’ve been injured as a result of someone else’s carelessness.
It’s common to react impulsively because you’re either in shock or in pain. Your body needs time to respond, so take a few deep breaths and assess your environment.
Depending on the nature of your injuries, you could become incapacitated. In that case, you’ll need immediate medical care and are most likely at the mercy of someone else.
If not, look around you to see if there’s anything in your immediate area that could cause further injury. Do your best to get out of harm’s way and call for help.
Gather Information
Write down everything you can remember about your accident as soon as possible. Allowing too much time to pass can distort your memory. You could forget information crucial to your case that a personal injury lawyer can use in your case.
If you have a police report or any other documents related to the accident, hold on to them. Documents include insurance statements or your medical record.
Keep track of the effects of your accident, like any medical treatments you’ve had and how you’re feeling. Document all symptoms you’ve had, even if you don’t think they relate to the accident.
Keeping a journal to record how your life has changed is a good idea. Things like the inability to drive, perform day-to-day tasks, or pain doing regular activities.
A severe injury lawsuit can cover more than just medical costs. Personal injury lawyers also ask for compensation for pain and suffering. The more details you can give to prove your case, the better your chances for a settlement.
Hire the Best Personal Injury Attorney
Injuries from a car crash, workplace accident, or slip and fall require a personal injury attorney who specializes in the area of your injury. Schedule a consultation to talk about your case.
Bring all the paperwork you have about the accident. The more info you have, the better equipped the attorney is to help give you the best legal advice for your case.
Once you meet with the attorney, they’ll use the information you provide to research the case. Once the attorney decides to take the case, they’ll give you an estimate of how much money you should expect to get for the lawsuit.
Your input is needed, so do what they ask to make sure you have a strong case in court.
Attorney Medical Lien
Personal injury cases can sometimes take up to three years to settle. In the meantime, you need medical treatment for your injuries. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford the long-term treatment plan.
Sometimes, the person at fault can pay for the injured person’s medical expenses, doctor bills, and other costs. However, you need a personal injury attorney to get them to pay up.
A medical lien is a legal document that protects the doctor when recovering from a personal injury. Basically, it gives the doctor the right to be involved in the recovery process. The doctor gets paid once you receive the settlement.
Before you receive treatment, you and your lawyer agree to pay all of your medical bills once you get your settlement. The legal agreement requires your attorney to pay the doctors and hospital on the lien.
The remaining money goes to you once all medical and legal fees are paid.
Personal Injury Lien Doctors
Doctors expect to get paid at the time of service or as soon as your insurance claim is processed. With personal injury cases, doctors have to wait for the lawsuit to play out. What you’ll need is a doctor willing to wait until your case is settled to get paid.
Unfortunately, most doctors don’t want to wait that long. They know there is a possibility the injured party may not prevail in the case.
One of the benefits of hiring a personal injury attorney is they know personal injury lien doctors.
Is There Financial Liability?
Yes, but it isn’t that simple. Suppose you lose your personal injury case in court.
In that case, you may be held financially liable for any medical treatment you receive. Most doctors on liens are happy to work with you on repayment terms to settle the bill.
You can also negotiate a settlement.
It is vital that you understand the legalities of a medical lien. Talk to your personal injury attorney to ensure you understand every aspect of your case.
Have You Sustained Personal Injuries?
A personal injury case is easier when you have the right attorney on your side. You want someone who is experienced in getting the settlement you need.
You also want an attorney with resources to get you the treatment you need to recover from your injuries.
If you’ve been injured and believe you’re entitled to compensation, don’t delay. Hire a personal injury attorney and contact Surgeons On A Lien to find your doctor.