If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your losses. This compensation is meant to cover all your injury-related costs, from medical bills to lost wages, and more.
To get the best chance at regaining some normalcy in your life, you will need to have a legal strategy. As experienced personal injury lawyers in Hutchinson, MN, we understand that certain aspects of your case can be used to your advantage. Depending on your case facts, you can make the most of your Minnesota personal injury claim.
Here are a few tips that can be helpful.
1. Consult an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer in Hutchinson, MN
This will probably be the most important step you will take to maximize your settlement amount. However, you should work only with a skilled lawyer, who is experienced in handling cases similar to yours.
To ascertain this, ask them questions about their past personal injury cases and their outcomes. You can also ask for references of previous clients. A truly successful lawyer will have no reason to hide anything.
Also, find out about their trial experience. You don’t want to be stuck with lawyer who will force you to accept a low compensation to skip the time and hassle of going to trial.
Ask them about their fees and payment plans. They should be clear and transparent in this aspect. Before signing the dotted line, enquire who will handle your case, and make sure you are comfortable with all the terms and conditions of the agreement.
2. Gather and Preserve Evidence
If your case goes to trial, you will have to present sufficient evidence to prove your claim. You should, therefore, start collecting physical evidence immediately after sustaining your injury. Delaying this or being careless can lead to the evidence getting misplaced or lost. Further, you may not be able to remember the details later. Here’s a list of the evidence you need to gather and preserve:
- Depending on the cause of your injuries, take photographs of the accident site or defective product, along with visible injuries, such as bruises, cuts, swelling, redness, and so on.
- If you were in an accident, note the name of the street or some landmarks, and any other location-related information. Make sure to call the police.
- If your accident occurred on someone’s property, report the incident to the property owner or resident.
- Get contact information of witnesses.
- Get a copy of the video surveillance of the incident, if available.
3. Provide All Medical Documentation
In order to prove your claim, you will have to show that you are, in fact, injured. When seeking medical treatment, your doctor will document every detail you give them. You should, therefore, be aware of every body part that hurts, and every impairment that has affected your movements and normal way of life.
Make sure to tell your doctor everything. Their diagnosis will have a huge influence on the value of your claim.
4. Follow All Prescribed Treatments and Procedures
If your doctor has prescribed certain exercises or physical therapy to treat your injuries, you should attend every session. If you’ve been advised medication, fill each prescription. In case your doctor has asked you to see a therapist for PSTD, do as you’re told.
Further, keep a proper record of all your doctors, their contact details, and the appointment dates. Preserve receipts of prescriptions and medicines. If you need additional equipment, such as canes, braces or bandages, keep receipts of those too to claim future damages.
5. Be Clear on the Value of Your Claim
Don’t make the mistake of assuming that you’re limited to claiming only one type of damage. You should know that you can claim compensation for loss of regular use of bodily functions and also emotional damages. You can also recover your out-of-pocket losses and include future damages as a part of your claim.
To understand your claim completely and set an appropriate settlement expectation, it is highly recommended that you consult an experienced personal injury lawyer in Hutchinson, MN.
6. Don’t Jump on the First Offer You Receive
When you’re recovering from serious injuries and paying enormous treatment bills, you may be tempted to accept the first settlement offer you receive from the at-fault party. However, this can prevent you from maximizing your compensation.
If you want to get the best compensation, you need to let the at-fault party know that you will go to trial, if needed. This means rejecting any low-ball offer they make. You also have to convince them that you have a strong case with valid documents to prove your assertions.
Rejecting insufficient settlement will show the other party that you are committed to getting the compensation you deserve. It is wise to consult an attorney in this regard.
7. Make Your Lawyer Your Ally
When you file your claim, you will start getting calls from the insurance adjuster, who will try every trick in the book to reduce your settlement amount. In such cases, you should let your experienced personal injury lawyer in Hutchinson, MN handle the adjuster.
They will be aware of the insurance company’s backhanded tactics and deal with them accordingly. Do not give the adjuster any statement or sign any document before having everything go through your attorney first.
Conclusion
Minnesota law can be complex, especially when it comes to personal injury claims. Working with a seasoned personal injury lawyer will almost always be helpful. With their help you can not only decide on the right compensation amount, you can also figure out a strategy to get it. All you will need to do is be prepared and patient, and you will most likely receive a positive outcome.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer in Hutchinson, MN Today
Dealing with a Minnesota personal injury claim without proper legal counsel can leave you feeling helpless. The team of personal injury lawyers at Carlson & Jones, P.A. will patiently listen to your side of the story and provide you with an honest evaluation of your case. We will help you make the most of your situation so there is no room for regrets in future about the compensation you receive. For a free consultation, call us at 855-762-6548 or contact us through our online form.