What Should I Do After a Personal Injury?

1. Seek Medical Attention

If you’ve suffered a personal injury, your first priority should be your health and well-being. Even if the extent of your injuries are not readily apparent, failing to seek medical attention within a reasonable period of time could impact your ability to recover compensation later.

2. Collect Evidence

If at all possible, gather as much evidence and information about the event as you can. Take photos, keep any and all related receipts or medical bills, identify any potential witnesses, and write down your recollection of the events while it’s still fresh in your memory.

3. Make a Report or Notify the Insurance Company

If you were hurt at work, it’s very important that you make a report with your employer. If you were in an auto accident, you’ll need to notify your (and/or the other party’s) insurance company in a timely manner—as this is often a policy requirement. If you were injured while at a store or on private property (e.g., a slip and fall), fill out an incident report as soon as possible and request their insurance info.

4. Discuss Your Options with an Attorney

Unfortunately in personal injury cases, liability can be complex and the burden of proof is always on the victim. In order to protect your rights and your ability to recover monetary compensation, it’s critical that you discuss your case with a personal injury attorney who can advise you of your options moving forward at no cost.

• How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?
• How Much Is a Personal Injury Case Worth?
• How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?