* Please note, this site is intended for informational use only. The opinions and items presented here are not legal advice.

Being injured due to someone else's negligence can be one of the most harrowing and devastating experiences in a person's life. At the moment of injury, the scene is painful, chaotic, and often times confusing. Many people are unsure of what to do, and most are not even thinking about legal action, but rather on recovering from the injury.

However, the first few moments after injury can be critical to your legal rights, as well as your health. Whether you are injured in a car accident, at work, at a store, or anywhere else, following a few important steps can aid you in preserving your legal rights.

Seek Medical Treatment Immediately

While this may seem obvious, the amount of people who do not seek immediate medical attention for one reason or another is staggering. Sometimes, pain may not be instantaneous. For example, injuries sustained from a rear end collision may not cause instant pain - only later will symptoms and problems emerge. Other times, people are so frightened by the experience, they do not think to seek medical attention until days or weeks later. Other times, people are concerned about the cost of treatment or just do not want to be bothered with sitting in an emergency room.

Certainly, all of these reasons are understandable. However, seeking medical treatment immediately will not only catch early injuries, but will preserve important evidence to present either to insurance companies or in court. Doctor's reports and diagnoses, emergency room records, EMT reports, and similar records are vital in the presentation and resolution of your personal injury case. If you feel you may be injured, do not be embarassed to call for an ambulance to transport you to the hospital for observation. Your health is too important to risk.

In the event you do not get treated the day of the injury, seek medical attention as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the worse your medical condition may get and your case will be that much more difficult to prove.

Follow your doctor's advice. Treat, Treat, Treat!

Should your doctor prescribe a course of treatment, either medicinal or therapeutic, be sure to follow his or her advice until completion. Our doctors know more about treating injuries that any of us, and we should trust their judgment when it comes to the healing process. Follow your course of treatment until conclusion. Certainly, do not undergo unnecessary procedures or tests simply to add to your bills, but definetly finish your therapy until you feel better. If you need surgery, have the surgery, don't wait! If you need medications, complete the course of treatment. Your priority must be to get yourself better; following the treatment plan will aid your case when the time comes.

Documentation is crucial.

Always, always, always request and keep a copy of all your medical records from each provider you see for treatment. You have a right to the records - they are yours. Make sure the medical records are complete; you should have not only the medical chart but also the doctor's notes, lab results, a list of tests run and their outcomes, list of prescriptions ordered, and a full itemized statement of the provider's fees and charges - even if your insurance company covered the fees.

New privacy laws, such as HIPAA, restrict 3rd party access to medical records. Having your own set of records will help your attorney evaluate your case, and will aid in settlement negotiations with the insurance company or defense attorney.

One of the most important documents you can have in your possession is the police report. If you were involved in an automobile accident, you have a right to get a copy of the police report. This report has a lot of very important information that will help your attorney prepare your case. Should the person who injured you be cited or arrested, make yourself available to go the court proceedings. You deserve your day in court.

See an attorney as soon as possible.

After you have seen your doctors and collected your documents, go to see your attorney. He or she will be able to evaluate your case, inform you of your rights and advise you on the next steps to your recovery. Keep in mind, not all cases are successful, but if you take the necessary steps to prepare yourself, and work with your attorney along a properly designed path, your chance of success will increase dramatically.

Farnham & Rothenberg, LLC handles all types of injury cases. Please feel free to browse our web site and contact us at your convenience.

If you feel you have a case you wish us to evaluate, kindly fill out this informational form and bring it with you to our first meeting. We look forward to serving you.

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