|
..........Click
Here for An Accident Checklist
A
Guide To Our Clients In Personal Injury Cases
One
of the most important things you can do to help us with your
case is to keep good records. We will be depending on you
to send to us all medical bills you receive and any insurance
policies or important papers that you think might help us
with your case. We may also need copies of your income tax
returns for the last three years. Be sure that we get a list
of the names and addresses of anyone who was or might have
been a witness to your injury. This information can come only
from you and we are counting on your help.
|
I.
DOCTORS Your doctor is interested solely in your physical well-being.
It is not necessary to discuss your legal problems with him. If
your doctor should ask whether you have an attorney,tell him the
truth, but don't volunteer this information unless asked. Long discussions
with your doctor about the worth of your legal case may lead him
to believe that you are more concerned with monetary recovery than
you are with the restoration of your health (which can hurt your
case).
II. TELEPHONE CALLS You may, from time to time, receive telephone
calls that are suspicious and anonymous in nature inquiring where
you might be reached, where you are employed etc. If possible, obtain
the name and address of the person calling. Then, discontinue the
conversation and immediately call your attorney.
III. INSURANCE ADJUSTERS You will probably, at some time, be
contacted by telephone, or personally, by an insurance claims adjuster,
the Retail Credit Bureau, or other persons who will readily identify
themselves and will try to talk to you about your injury, the progress
of your case or simply your personal affairs. You are under absolutely
no obligation to disclose any information to anyone without the
advice and consent of your attorney.Certain legal traps can easily
be set by asking what are seemingly innocent questions. Also, don't
forget that telephone conversations can be recorded and actions
by you can be recorded on tape and on film. In our experience, some
insurance companies actually take movies of our clients doing home
repairs, working, and generally going about their business.
Don't be ashamed to do all that you can do under your doctor's advice,
but do not exaggerate or minimize those
things to your attorneys. We need to know exactly what you can and
can not do, since it may be the subject of a surprise move.
IV. VOICES IN YOUR EAR-You will inevitably find that everybody
knows somebody who has been through exactly what you are going through-or
have been through it themselves - and are more than willing to advise
you even to the extent of giving you off-the-cuff legal counsel.
It is wise to caution the members of your family or your close friends
that your case is very private business and is not to be entered
into public discussion. Always call this office for the answer to
any question you have about your case.
V. CHANGE OF ADDRESS Be sure to report immediately any change
of address or telephone number to this office. We may, from time
to time, receive word on your case which needs to be relayed to
you and requires prompt action or decision on your part. Don't leave
town for long periods of time without letting us know where you
can be reached.
VI. SEEKING EMPLOYMENT In your case, as a practical matter,
you should seek employment that your doctor says you are reasonably
and physically able to do. Many cases are lost because the jury
felt that the client should have looked for work and didn't or because
the client did more actual work than he indicated he could do. However,
when applying for any employment, you should never be dishonest
about the fact that you have been injured or that you are in top
physical condition. This could be very detrimental to your case.
Discuss this with us and be open-minded about our advice regarding
future employment.
VII. SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS If your injury is of a very serious
nature and you find that you may be disabled for as much as one
year, chances are you may be eligible for government benefits. But,
be sure to consult with us before taking any steps in this direction
as this may have a direct effect on your case.
VIII. INSURANCE CLAIMS Be careful to go over with us any claim
forms you wish to submit on health or accident insurance which you
may carry at the time of your injury. Don't ever sign any papers
regarding your physical condition or insurance benefits without
letting us check them. Bring us any papers you receive from insurance
companies or adjusters.
IX. CITATION AND NOTICE PAPERS If, at any time, you are served
with a summons or any type of notice by a sheriff's deputy or constable,
bring it to our office immediately.
X. MISCELLANEOUS Should a situation arise where you might question
what you should say, where you should go, or even what you should
wear, if in doubt, call us.
|