As a law clerk, I cannot give legal advice, but I can provide you with some other valuable information in regard to civil suits. I am shocked when I learn how little many of our clients know about civil suits, what to do for them, and how to ensure the process goes smoothly. Below I have collected what I think are the top 5 tips you need to know when going through a civil suit.
1. Attend ALL Medical Appointments and Recommended Therapies
I meet many clients who get frustrated and discouraged with the lack of progress in their healing. Their frustration leads them to ultimately accept their pain and discomfort, in which they stop attending appointments and begin to discontinue therapies. It is essential that you stay the course and not end therapies before achieving maximum healing as determined between you and your health care team. Car accidents or slip and falls can leave long-lasting injuries that can take months or even years to heal, its important to trust the process and follow through with your appointments.
2. Provide Medical Documents In Addition to Personal Documentation
Personal documentation is essential, however equally important are records from your medical provider. It isn’t typically enough to say “my back was sore and I couldn’t sleep.” Instead, you also need to provide medical records from a qualified professional that should also reflect your claims.
3. Keep A Log or Journal
Keep a log of activities you are no longer able to participate in or have been otherwise impacted by your injuries. It can take years for a court case to wind itself through the courts and memories naturally fade. Often, what may seem like something you will never forget is lost years later, especially when it comes to discomfort in your knees the one time you gardened! A very wise person once told me that a short pencil is better than a long memory!
4. Keep Your Legal Team Updated
It is important to send periodic calls or emails to your law clerk who is assisting your lawyer about your ongoing progress. As most cases can take years to wind through the courts. We don’t recommend contact on a daily basis although it is important that your legal team be aware of any significant changes.
5. Be Honest
It is crucial that you are open and honest with your legal team and ensure they are aware of anything and everything that may affect your file. It is challenging when a lawyer learns something about a client from the insurance company rather than from the client themselves. Prior knowledge of potential areas of concern is always the best case.
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By: Shari Lamore
