No victim should have to pay for the costs of an injury that was caused by someone else’s negligence. Unfortunately, many people make common and simple mistakes in the days after an accident that make it more difficult to get full compensation for their injuries.
What to Do in the Hours After You Have Suffered a Personal Injury
No matter when or where your injury occurs, there are always a few necessary steps you should take afterward to protect your health and your right to compensation. After you have been involved in an accident, you should:
Report Your Injury
Never decline to call the police or report an injury to an employer—it is vital that you have an official record of your injury on file. If you slipped and fell in a grocery store, the management should fill out an incident report. Police officers on the scene of a car accident will complete a police report with the necessary details of the crash. If the accident occurs at work, your employer will be required to fill out a work injury report to submit to the Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Document The Cause Of Your Injury
If you can, use your smartphone to take pictures or video of the scene of the accident. Take a close up of the specific condition that caused your accident (such as a spill or defective tool) but also record the scene as a whole, including who was there, what happened next, and how the negligent party responded.
Seek Medical Attention For Your Injury
The most important thing to do after an injury at work, in a car accident, or in a public place is to see a doctor as soon as possible. Refusing medical care after an accident not only threatens your health, it deprives you of valuable medical evidence that can be used to bolster your injury case.
Speak To An Attorney
If you have suffered injuries that have prevented you from working or caused permanent limitations, you should speak to a lawyer with experience in your type of case. An attorney can gather evidence on your behalf, negotiate with insurance companies, and advise you on how to get proper compensation for your injuries.
If you were injured in an accident while living or working in New York City, we can help. Fill out our quick online contact form or call (800) 362-9329 to speak with a personal injury lawyer at Hofmann & Schweitzer today, or read through our FREE brochure, Hurt in a Construction Accident? You’re Not Alone.
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