What are the most common mistakes people make after an injury?

It is important to know what steps to take — and what mistakes to avoid — after sustaining an injury if you plan on pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. Some mistakes could make it more difficult for you to claim compensation down the road, and knowing how to avoid these legal pitfalls will give you a leg-up from the defense. Help your personal injury attorney by helping yourself and avoiding these common mistakes that many people make right after sustaining an injury. 

Not visiting your doctor

Regardless of your pain level or the apparent severity of your injury, visit your doctor right after getting injured. This will establish a medical record that can be used as evidence later if it turns out that your injuries become severe. Many people skip the doctor’s appointment after a car crash or slip and fall accident because they don’t feel a lot of immediate pain. But sometimes, this pain can manifest weeks or months later. Not only is it important to get medical treatment for your injuries, but having evidence of an expert’s opinion might improve your chances of winning compensation in court. 

Not reporting your accident to a supervisor

This is especially important if you want to claim workers’ compensation benefits for an injury suffered on the job. If you fail to report your injury as soon as it happens, your employer will be less likely to believe you if you start complaining of pain a couple of months after the fact. Making a report, no matter how minor the accident, will create a record of the event that can be leaned on as evidence in court. Employers must have some documented report of your accident on file to award workers’ compensation. 

Oversharing on social media

Insurance companies will investigate your injury claim in an attempt to award you as little money as possible. If you discuss your injury or legal case on social media, chances are that the insurance company will see it and find a way to delegitimize your case. Set all of your accounts to private and avoid posting about fun vacations, trips to the park, etc. — anything that would suggest your injury isn’t legitimate. 

Contact a New York personal injury attorney

Perhaps the biggest mistake people make after an injury is not immediately consulting a personal injury lawyer. The experienced injury attorneys at Hach & Rose, LLP will work with you to ensure that your employers and insurance adjusters aren’t coercing you to sign statements that will hurt your case for compensation. Call our office at [phone number] or reach out online to schedule your free consultation today.

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