Personal Injury Claim? Don’t Make These Mistakes
If you’ve been injured in an accident, your focus is likely on recovery, returning to work, and restoring normalcy. But if the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, it’s important to protect your legal rights. Unfortunately, many injury victims unknowingly make decisions early in the process that can seriously damage their ability to recover full compensation. Understanding these common mistakes can help you avoid them—and safeguard your claim.
Early Missteps That Can Hurt Your Claim
One of the biggest missteps injured individuals make is delaying medical attention. Whether the pain doesn’t seem severe at first or you’re hoping it will just go away, waiting to see a doctor can be detrimental. Insurance companies often argue that delayed treatment means the injury wasn’t serious, or that something else caused it. Always seek prompt medical care and follow your provider’s advice closely throughout your recovery.
Another mistake is failing to document the scene of the incident. Whether it’s a car crash, a slip and fall, or a workplace accident, collecting evidence as soon as possible is critical. This includes taking photographs, gathering contact information from witnesses, and noting environmental details like weather, lighting, or floor conditions. These small details can become powerful pieces of evidence if your case goes to court.
Talking to insurance adjusters without legal representation is also a common pitfall. Insurance companies are trained to protect their bottom line, not your best interests. They may ask seemingly harmless questions or request a recorded statement, which can later be used against you. Until you speak with a qualified attorney, it’s best to limit your communication and avoid signing anything from the insurance company.
Legal Traps and Missed Opportunities
Another trap injured parties often fall into is accepting the first settlement offer. These early offers are frequently far below the actual value of your claim. The insurance company hopes you’ll take the money quickly—before realizing the full extent of your injuries or the long-term costs. Having legal counsel ensures you understand what your case is really worth before making any decisions.
Missing the filing deadline is another costly error. In Ohio, you generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you could permanently lose your right to seek compensation, no matter how strong your case might have been. Learn more about Ohio Revised Code §2305.10.
It’s also important to watch what you post on social media. Even innocent updates can be taken out of context and used by the defense to argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim. Until your case is resolved, it’s best to avoid posting about your injury, your activities, or the legal process entirely.
Ultimately, trying to handle a personal injury claim without legal help is risky. There are legal nuances, procedural rules, and negotiation tactics that an experienced attorney understands—and you shouldn’t have to figure it out while also dealing with physical pain and stress. Attorneys Larry Slagle and Don Kotnik at SlagleKotnikLaw.com are here to help. With years of experience advocating for injury victims across Ohio, they will guide you through every step of the process and fight to get the compensation you deserve.
Related Blog Posts:
- Understanding Your Rights After a Workplace Injury
- Steps to Take Following a Car Accident in Ohio
- How to Document Your Injury for a Stronger Claim
- The Importance of Medical Records in Personal Injury Cases
This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized legal guidance, please consult with an attorney at Slagle Kotnik Law.
