Simple Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Personal Injury Claim
Car accidents, dog bites, slips and falls, medical negligence: These are just a few ways thousands of Americans get hurt each year. If you sustain an injury as a result of another person’s actions, you may pursue the at-fault party for compensation to help offset your losses.
However, no personal injury claim has a guaranteed outcome. Certain missteps can keep you from getting the full settlement that you deserve for your injury. Here are two simple mistakes that can jeopardize your personal injury claim.
Failing to Document Your Injuries
You need to prove the severity of your injuries. If you can, take photos of your injuries – and make sure that you seek medical treatment.
Some of the medical evidence you can use to document and strengthen your case include:
- X-rays and other images
- Diagnoses and medical prescriptions from your doctor
- A record of the dates of your medical appointments and consultations
Keeping track of your injuries and your expenses will certainly give your claim the best chance of success.
Waiting Too Long to File Your Claim
In Ohio, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. You risk losing your right to compensation if you file your claim after the expiry of the statute of limitations period. With luck, you’ll settle your claim before you get to that point – but you should keep the statute of limitations in mind.
Personal injury claims can be quite complex to litigate. Understanding and avoiding common mistakes that can hurt your claim can mean the difference between getting the compensation you deserve for your damages and getting nothing.
