How A Client Can Help An Injury Attorney Pursue A Claim

When a personal injury lawyer tackles a case, they need to handle a wide range of issues. It's often beneficial if clients can address a handful of key problems. Here are four things clients can help a personal injury attorney deal with.

Contemporaneous Notes

As soon as you're aware that you might file a claim, take notes. If you're unable to write notes, ask someone to do it for you.

The goal is to get your memory of events down as soon after an accident as possible. Even if you have a great memory, good notes can help you recall events later. Note what the time was when the incident happened, who was there, and how it unfolded. If you know the names of witnesses, include those.

Paperwork

It's not uncommon for defendants or their insurers to send paperwork to the claimant. Likewise, hospitals, doctors, EMT services, police, and fire departments all frequently provide reports.

If any paperwork related to a claim lands in your mail, make sure you keep it organized. Even if you're not convinced something is important, file it by date and sender. If possible, make copies so you can hand a set to the personal injury lawyer, too. The same goes for all related medical bills.

Keeping a Journal

A personal injury attorney will often tell a client to maintain a journal. This is a way for the client to document their pain and suffering. It's important because a lawyer may have to prove damages on this front.

The best approach is to keep the journal entries simple. Purchase something that has dates, and then make short entries for each one. Make notes about any pain you experience. Also, note any injury-related challenges. For example, someone who suffered nerve damage in their hand might note difficulties in preparing dinner.

Relaying Inquiries to the Lawyer

Insurance adjusters often contact injured parties. They sometimes do this before someone has filed a claim to try to settle things quickly. Even if the claim sounds good, don't talk it through with the adjuster. Tell them to send you a letter with the offer in writing.

If they have any questions, tell the adjuster to speak with your attorney. Whenever they need answers directly from you, insist upon having your lawyer present while you respond. Don't be surprised if your attorney insists upon sending responses in writing rather than letting the adjuster conduct an interview.

Contact a personal injury lawyer to learn more.