Common mistakes that can ruin your personal injury claim

A personal injury – anything resulting from a car accident, a slip and fall, a dog bite or medical malpractice – can be life-altering. If you have sustained an injury as a result of another party’s fault, may be eligible for compensation for your damages.

However, mistakes in handling your personal injury claim may hurt your case. Here are common pitfalls that you need to look out for and avoid when filing your personal injury claim.

Missing important deadlines

Every state has a statute of limitations that determines the amount of time you have to file a personal injury claim following an accident. In Louisiana, you have one year from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim.

It is important that you are aware of the mandatory deadlines applicable to your personal injury to avoid the unpleasant surprise of being unfairly saddled with the financial cost of treating an injury that is not your fault.

Failing to seek medical care immediately

Most people overlook the importance of seeking medical examination and treatment immediately following an injury. However, it is important to understand that this is a critical component of your personal injury claim. Your medical records will show the extent and nature of your injuries and help connect them in time to your accident.

What happens if you don’t seek treatment right away? The defendant can use your refusal to seek medical attention immediately following the accident to argue against you and claim that your injury was less substantial than you claim (or even non-existent).

Mistakes happen, but when they do during your personal injury claim, they can hurt or even cost you your case altogether. If you have sustained an injury as a result of another party’s fault, find out more about what it takes to successfully file a claim.