Have you or a loved one recently suffered an injury? Was another’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm to blame for what happened? If a business, individual, or even a government agency is at fault for your injuries and you are considering suing them for compensation, there are a few things you must be sure not to do if you want to protect the value of your case. This article will explain some common mistakes made by people injured and hoping to receive compensation from those responsible for their harm.

If you or a family member is a victim of an injury caused by another’s actions or inactions, the attorneys at Dozier Law are always here to listen to your story and to help you pursue both justice and any and all compensation that you’re owed.

Mistake #1 – Failing To Seek Medical Attention

In Georgia, many personal injury lawsuits hinge on what is contained in any medical reports that were created after someone sustained injuries. Such reports are written by the first medical provider you consult for treatment after becoming injured. At this first visit – which will likely occur in an emergency room department but may also occur at an Urgent Care facility or a “standard” medical office- the treating physician will evaluate your injuries and look for signs that may indicate a more significant, undetected source of injury. Then, the doctor will write a report. In this report, the doctor will describe the extent of your injuries and how the physician perceives that they were obtained.

Failing to visit a doctor or other medical provider immediately after your injury will compromise the strength of any doctor’s notes that are compiled later, as the other side can say that you were injured between the time of the incident involving the defendant and when you finally sought medical attention.

It is also vital for you to describe all of your pain to any treating physician to ensure that they are aware of what you are experiencing. If you do not provide an accurate pain assessment to the doctor, they may miss symptoms that could either be indicative of a worse, hidden injury or an injury for which you could later seek compensation. Be sure to tell your doctor the details of your pain and, in doing so, serve as your own greatest advocate.

Mistake #2 – Failing To Consult A Lawyer Right Away

One of the first things you should do after seeking appropriate medical attention is to meet with a personal injury lawyer. We can help you talk to the other party, navigate the medical procedures, and preserve evidence that will give you a better chance of winning your case. By allowing us to handle the bulk of your case’s legal and financial challenges, you’ll be able to focus more of your time and energy on healing.

As soon as you talk to an attorney at Dozier Law, we can help you take the next best step to better ensure your chance at recovering maximum compensation. Do not talk to the other party, insurance company representative, or the other party’s attorney without first speaking with a lawyer who can represent you. Handling these communications yourself will give the other side an unfair advantage right from the beginning.

Mistake #3 – Posting On Social Media

The first thing many people want to do after being injured is to post on social media so that their friends and family know what has happened to them. While this may be a very convenient way to alert all of your friends and family to your situation at once, posting on social media isn’t a good idea until your case has been fully resolved. Insurance companies and opposing counsel regularly search social media for anything that they can use as evidence to undermine the value of an injury victim’s case.

Do not post about your accident or your injuries on social media. You should think twice about posting anything on social media until your case is resolved. Other attorneys and insurance companies will seek out every post, reaction, and comment to find something that could be used to devalue or reject the strength of your case. Even a very simple comment of “I’m ok” can be taken out of context and used against you.

Our Georgia Personal Injury Attorneys Are Ready To Help You

If you or a loved one has been injured due to another’s negligence, recklessness, or intentionally dangerous conduct, we can help you build a strong case designed to get you the compensation you deserve. We want you to feel confident about the steps you should take immediately after sustaining an injury. By contacting our attorneys right away, we can make sure you set yourself up for the best chance to receive the maximum amount of compensation you’re owed. Call 888-239-2129 or contact us online today to set up a time to meet. We look forward to speaking with you.