Sustaining a serious injury through no fault of your own is a high-stress situation. Depending on your circumstances, knowing what steps to take to protect yourself can be confusing and overwhelming. But you’re not alone. The National Safety Council reported 48,300,000 preventable injuries in 2019, just within the United States. Personal injury is a broad term, so you may be wondering what exactly constitutes a personal injury.
Examples of personal injury cases include but are not limited to injuries arising out of auto accidents, bicycle accidents, truck accidents, dog bites, and slip and falls. Thankfully, some law firms offer introductory legal advice and free consultations to help you evaluate your financial situation and the possibility of a personal injury lawsuit.
1. Seek medical care.
The first step for all injury victims to take is to seek professional medical treatment. If you have been involved in an auto accident, bicycle accident, or otherwise sustained a severe injury, call 911 right away. Ensuring that you receive proper medical care should be your top priority. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it is still essential to seek immediate medical care. Minor injuries have the potential to develop into more severe conditions as time passes. The most important thing about your personal injury case is your physical and mental health recovery.
Securing a treatment plan for your injuries is step one. Many people experience trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after being involved in an incident that resulted in severe injury. For example, personal injury victims of car accidents may have trouble getting back on the road comfortably.
Personal injury victims who have suffered dog bites may now experience anxiety around animals. The residual effects of a serious injury can interfere with your daily life. Consider checking online therapy reviews to help you decide on a counselor or online therapy service that fits your specific needs.
Because traditional therapy can be more inconvenient than video sessions for some injured clients, many therapy services operate remotely for ease of access. However, finding an online therapy service shouldn’t contribute to your workload either. More in-depth information about online therapy is available on the USA RX webpage.
Their research outlines the pros and cons of various online therapy platforms like Talkspace, BetterHelp, 7 Cups of Tea, Amwell, and Pride Counseling. If your loved ones were involved in the incident that you were injured, consider a service that encompasses family counseling as well.
2. Document the incident.
If your injury occurred on a roadway, it is in your best interest to alert the authorities so that you have proper documentation in the form of a police report. A police report will provide you with the other party’s contact and insurance information, as well as document the circumstances you were injured. Suppose you decide to retain a personal injury attorney or consult with a law office. In that case, it will let them know right away if the other party violated any laws or regulations.
If possible, take photos of the scene you were injured. Write down what happened before, during, and after the incident. Keeping track of these details can help you create a timeline of events. That timeline will give your medical providers and personal injury lawyers insight into your injury’s cause and effects. Document your losses if you have missed work due to doctor’s appointments, pain, or mental health. Keep track of all bills arising out of the incident. These bills can include prescriptions, medical bills, insurance payments, and the cost of retaining a professional therapist.
3. Consult an attorney.
The best thing you can do to protect yourself and your finances after sustaining an injury is to consult a law firm. As medical expenses and missed workdays begin to accumulate, it’s essential to know your financial options. You should never be held liable for the negligence of others.
A personal injury attorney can make sure that you receive fair compensation despite unfair circumstances. For example, suppose the negligent party lacks a reliable insurance plan, or your health insurance doesn’t cover the medical treatment you need. In that case, a personal injury law firm can help minimize out-of-pocket costs and make sure you receive the financial assistance you need. A quick search online for an attorney in your area such as “personal injury attorney in Chicago” can help you get the resources that you need.
Devising a plan for your finances, career, and overall wellness after being injured in a serious accident can be a complex situation. Fortunately, professional help is available every step of the way, no matter the type of injury. Allow these three steps to serve as a guiding light during a difficult time: seek professional medical treatment and, if necessary, mental health care immediately. Second, document the details of your circumstances and, lastly, if applicable, retain an experienced personal injury attorney. These actions can ensure that your quality of life remains the same as before the incident.
