When you are injured as the result of another’s negligence, you have
the right to recover money damages for your medical expenses, time away
from work, pain, and other adverse effects on your life. But you must act
promptly. A trained lawyer can help you fight to protect your rights and
maximize your money damages.
After you are injured, it is of great importance that you do your
part. Here are some helpful suggestions:
- BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SAY. Discuss your case only with your
attorney. Do not give information to anyone except your doctor(s),
without your attorney’s approval.
- GET THE NAMES, ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF ALL WITNESSES.
- TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS. Take photographs of the accident scene,
property damage, and all visible injuries that were caused by the
accident. Continue to take pictures during the healing process.
- GO TO THE DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY AND KEEP GOING TO THE DOCTOR.
This
is very important. Follow your doctor’s instructions and do not stop
seeing your doctor until discharged from treatment. FAILURE TO OBSERVE
THIS INSTRUCTION WILL RESULT IN SERIOUS ADVERSE CONSEQUENCES TO YOUR
CLAIM.
- KEEP A DAILY JOURNAL OF YOUR INJURIES. Keeping a daily
journal of your injuries and the type and degree of the pain and
distress you are suffering can be used to refresh your memory at a later
date and may be the best evidence available to verify your experiences.
- PRESERVE EVIDENCE IN YOUR POSSESSION. Save physical
objects that relate to your case, such as braces, belts or traction
devices that were prescribed because of the accident.
- SUBMIT ALL YOUR MEDICAL BILLS TO YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE
COMPANY. If you have private health insurance, use it!
Hospitals and other medical providers (or your health insurance company)
may try to tell you that they will not submit or pay for treatment caused
by an accident, however, you have paid for the health insurance coverage
in the event you are injured regardless of how the injury was
caused and your health insurance company must pay for your
treatment. Send a copy of all correspondence from your insurance company
to your attorney for review before signing any forms.
Personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. In other
words, you are not charged an attorney fee if there is no recovery,
but the Ohio Supreme Court requires that you remain responsible for all costs
advanced regardless of the outcome of the case.
Of course, we expect to prevail on every case we accept and are pleased to discuss
the costs advanced issue with you at any time.
