3 Mistakes to Avoid in a Criminal Personal Injury Case

Personal injury cases can be confusing for many people. They do not just involve proving that the injury occurred due to another person’s criminal act – the plaintiff has to provide evidence to the court about medical costs, lost days at work, and other financial hardships suffered due to the injury.

Most people do not have experience with personal injury cases. Therefore, it’s not surprising that they make mistakes that negatively impact their cases, and jeopardize their likelihood of a successful outcome.

Here are 3 common mistakes to avoid in a criminal personal injury case to increase your chances of receiving full compensation for your injuries.

1. Not Getting Immediate Medical Attention

The number one mistake most people make when injured after a robbery, assault, or abuse is not getting immediate medical attention. Remember, the assessment report prepared by the medical doctor weighs in heavily in the outcome of a personal injury case. That’s why it is essential that you seek medical attention as soon as possible after being injured. This will not only ensure that the injury does not develop into something more serious, but will also increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for the injury.

2. Not Complying With the Doctor’s Advice

Another mistake regarding personal injury cases is not complying with the doctor’s advice and not following up as instructed by the doctor.  The defendant’s lawyer will certainly use any gaps in receiving medical treatment against you.  He or she will argue that if there are gaps in getting treatment for your injury, then it must have been a minor one, requiring less compensation than a more serious injury would.

3. Settling the Case Early With the Defendant

Plaintiffs can cut themselves short when they settle a personal injury case too early, especially if they settle prior to undergoing treatment or after an initial round of treatment. The overall effectiveness of injury treatments may wax and wane. If the plaintiff feels better after an initial treatment, they may make the mistake of thinking that they are fine, when in fact they might need to undergo additional costly treatment to fully heal from the injury. Settling early also reduces the full amount that the plaintiff, compared to what they would have received had they waited a little longer before settling the case.

In conclusion, you should speak with a personal injury lawyer right after sustaining injuries during assault, robbery, or any other criminal offence. A professional personal injury attorney can offer expert advice that will allow you to get the maximum possible compensation for your injuries. The attorney can provide comprehensive guidance regarding the case, including getting the right treatment from a qualified doctor, gathering evidence, and preparing documents to file in the court.