Personal Injury
Have you suffered an injury due to an auto accident, slip and fall, unsafe conditions in a physical structure, use of a defective product, or any other incident caused by someone else’s negligence? If these injuries were someone else’s fault, whether an individual or entity, you could be entitled to compensation. We realize that money is no substitute for your well-being. However, money is all we have to compensate victims who have been injured. Our job is to ensure you receive proper medical care and move quickly to gather and analyze all the evidence, consult with experts, and use this information to prepare your case with the goal of ensuring you receive the highest possible compensation.
Step 1: Go to the ER
If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, even if you’re not in pain and symptoms seem minor, you should go to the emergency room (ER). Tell the ER physician what happened and how you feel. You’ll go through a battery of tests that will not only benefit your health but also serve you well in a possible personal injury case. Failure to go to the ER can be used against you. The defendant or insurance company may claim you weren’t injured because you didn’t go to the ER. They may argue you’re only seeing a doctor after the fact because you’re looking for money.
Step 2: Call a Personal Injury Lawyer
Insurance companies want you to call them first. Just keep in mind that insurance companies would prefer to settle claims as quickly as possible for as little money as possible. Most people don’t know if their claim is worth much more than their insurance company initially offers, and there may be other liable parties that have insurance or sufficient assets to compensate you. Insurance companies might also try to get you to record a statement after you suffer an injury. This is generally a bad idea. Your insurance company can then hold you to that statement, even if you have injuries that are not readily apparent, like a concussion or internal injuries. An experienced personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process so you don’t lose your right to future damages to which you might be entitled. This could involve recommending doctors who can render expert opinions on the seriousness of your injury and how it will impact you, now and in the future. We can act as a buffer between you and your insurance company as we gather evidence – photos, witness accounts, statements from people who have seen how the injury has affected your life, etc. We can even produce videos and reconstructions that tell your story.
Catastrophic Injury Law
A person never fully recovers from catastrophic injuries, such as a severe brain or spinal cord injury, severe burns, or the loss of a limb. These cases often go to trial because of the high sums of money involved. Recovery of damages is directly tied to the expertise of your law firm. If you or a loved one suffers a catastrophic injury, we recommend calling a personal injury law firm right away to gather and preserve evidence, conduct interviews, take photos, and ensure nothing is missed. Speed and attention to detail are critically important.
Kolman Law can help you navigate the complexity of personal injury cases in terms of both medical treatment and holding those at fault accountable. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.