If you have brought a personal injury lawsuit, there are certain things that you, as the client are responsible for during your personal injury case. Of course, your attorney must handle the legal matters and move the case forward, but they need your help doing so. The most successful personal injury cases have the most cooperative clients. So, what are the client responsibilities during a personal injury lawsuit?
1. Get the Care You Need
If you have been injured, your number one priority is getting the medical help that you need. Follow your doctor’s advice and see any specialists recommended by your primary physician. Your focus should be on your long term health and making sure that your injuries are fully resolved, as opposed to merely seeking short-term relief of your symptoms.
Keep your doctor up to date on your symptoms and your medical needs. There is no prize for toughing it out and failing to inform your doctors of your pain or your ailments.
Also, often people who experience trauma may experience anxiety, depression, or even post-traumatic stress disorder following the event. Discuss any of these feelings with your doctor to get the mental health treatment you need.
2. Pay your Medical Bills
One of the goals of your personal injury lawsuit is to obtain financial compensation for your medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other financial hardships that you suffer as a result of someone else’s neglect. However, you will not receive financial compensation, if any, until the close of your case. In the interim, you are responsible for paying your medical bills.
Failure to pay your bills may result in collections and negative reporting on your credit. Some medical providers and hospitals are willing to negotiate a payment plan, allowing you to pay what you are able.
3. Talk to your Lawyer
One of the most important things you can do to help your case is to talk to your lawyer. Respond quickly to your lawyer’s questions. Provide your lawyer with as much detail and information as possible. Keep your attorney updated on your medical care, provide the names of the doctors that you are seeing, and give your lawyer copies of your bills. Let your lawyer know how you are doing and tell them about any changes in your life as a result of your injuries.
If you move or change your phone number, be sure to update your attorney. If your lawyer cannot find you, they cannot help you.
4. Be Honest
Be completely truthful with your lawyer about what is going on with you and the facts of your case. Your lawyer needs honesty to make the best arguments on your behalf and to present the best possible case.
Personal injury cases can be a long process. Cooperating with your lawyer, taking care of yourself, and being honest through the process can make your case that much stronger.
Chelsie King Garza is an experienced Houston personal injury attorney. Contact her today to discuss your personal injury case.
