<p>A personal injury claim, in a nutshell, is injury to the body, mind, or emotions of an individual.</p>
<p>Used to describe injury caused by the negligence of another, it includes bodily injury, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligent infliction of emotional distress.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2938" alt="Personal Injury Claims" src="https://medusamagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Personal-Injury-Claims.jpg" width="600" height="260" /></p>
<p>When someone harms you, knowingly, or through their own negligence, you have a right to compensation, a right to have things made right.</p>
<p>In our culture that usually means monetary reimbursement.</p>
<h2><strong>How To Know If You Have A Case</strong></h2>
<p>Traffic accidents, work injury, tripping or falls, assault, accidents in home, product defect resulting in injury, medical and</p>
<p>dental accidents, medical negligence, industrial diseases, occupational deafness, stress, and repetitive strain injuries are just some of the many forms of personal injury claims.</p>
<p>All cases are dependent on the intent or negligence of the responsible party.</p>
<p>Be aware of time limitations on cases, each state sets their own statutes of limitations and it is vital you check with your local regulations to determine case viability.</p>
<p>If you wait too long, you may be ineligible to file a claim at all!</p>
<h2><strong>Steps To Take Once Injured</strong></h2>
<p>The first step, always, is to take care of your health! After that the following is advised;</p>
<ul>
<li>Confirm eligibility by checking your states limitation statutes</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Collect evidence ex: what, when, why, how, who</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Record EVERYTHING ex: bills, hospital visits, lost work/wages</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Gather contact information of witnesses and confirm their willingness to participate</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>How To Find The Right Legal Representation</strong></h2>
<p>If they charge for the consultation &#8211; Leave</p>
<p>If they want payment upfront &#8211; Leave</p>
<p>If they are slimy, cackling, or rubbing their hands together vigorously &#8211; LEAVE</p>
<p>A good personal injury lawyer will be paid from the settlement, will ask what you expect from the settlement, and will make you feel as comfortable as possible.</p>
<p>Never forget that you are hiring this person to do a job for you, just like a contractor, gardener, or computer technician.</p>
<p>You are their employer, but you have to make it as easy as you can for them to do their job.</p>
<p>You do this by bringing all relevant information to the initial consultation and being as upfront and complete about the details of the case as you can.</p>
<h2><strong>Things To Consider About your Lawyer</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li>Experience in your type of case</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Lawyers specialty &#8211; hiring a tax attorney to represent you in a personal injury is bad</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Whose side is the lawyer on? Does he most often represent defendants&#8221; If so, find someone else</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Ensure the lawyer you meet with will be handling your case &#8211; don&#8217;t let him pass you off to a less experienced lawyer</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Settlement Considerations</strong></h2>
<p>Your goals are what are important here. It is imperative you make them clear to your representative.</p>
<p>Ensure you are both on the same page with your case expectations.</p>
<p>Whether it be a quick, hassle free settlement, beating out the insurance companies offer, or going for the most you can regardless of how long it takes.</p>
<p>Make sure your working toward the same goal.</p>
<p>If you feel you have been wronged, and you have done all your homework, a personal injury claim is for you.</p>
<p>Don&#8217;t let an insurance company, your employer, or anyone else roll over you.</p>
<p>With a little diligence you have the right, and the power, to make things right.</p>
<p>Today&#8217;s guest author is T. Beasley from the Rue, Ziffra &; Caldwell blog team.</p>
<p>He enjoys writing and sharing his views on a variety topics but his true passion is spending time with his family</p>