Personal injury cases involving product liability can be complex and challenging. For people who have been injured, it can be difficult to know where to start, particularly if they’ve never pursued legal damages before. But, it’s incredibly important to proceed carefully with these cases, because mistakes will likely damage your opportunities for a successful resolution. Here are some of the most common mistakes made in personal injury cases involving product liability.
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Waiting Too Long To Take Action
If you’ve suffered an injury from a defective product, one of the most important things you can do is act quickly. You only have a limited amount of time to take legal action, known as a statute of limitations. When this time period expires, you will not be able to bring the case to court anymore. In general, the statute of limitations for product liability cases is around two to three years. Don’t waste time. Contact a lawyer as soon as you can to find out what your options are.
Providing Incomplete Information
When you hire a lawyer, it’s really important to provide complete and accurate information. It’s essential that you disclose everything that happened, even if it seems unrelated or minor. Sometimes, minor details can add up and can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Give your lawyer access to all medical records, insurance policies, and other relevant documents.
Waiting To Get Medical Treatment
If you’ve been injured, seeking medical attention should be your top priority. Don’t wait to get help, even if your injury seems minor. Waiting can prolong healing and can worsen the injury’s impact on your life. Quick treatment’s documentation is also a crucial factor in winning a personal injury case, so make sure that you keep detailed and organized records of all of your medical treatments and their costs.
Settling Too Quickly
It’s common for defendants to offer an initial settlement within months of an injury. When victims of injuries are struggling with medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs, it can be difficult to refuse these settlements. But, settling too quickly can be a big mistake. Many times, early settlements are not high enough to cover all of your medical costs, future medical care, lost wages, and other long-term implications of the injury. It is highly recommended that you seek legal aid before signing any agreement from the other party’s insurance company.
Focusing Only On Money
It’s important to keep in mind that both monetary damages and non-monetary damages can be part of a successful personal injury lawsuit. Damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-monetary effects can sometimes be substantial, and in some cases, even exceed the monetary damages awarded.
It’s important to not settle for a potentially premature settlement only because it offers you financial compensation.
Not Hiring An Experienced Lawyer
A great personal injury lawyer with product liability experience is a crucial component of obtaining a fair settlement. Don’t try to go it alone when you’re dealing with a lawsuit involving product liability. It’s important to find a lawyer who has experience in similar cases, and one that you feel comfortable working with. Personal injury law firms with experienced attorneys will know what to expect, and they will be ready to fight for you in court.
Conclusion
Personal injury cases involving product liability are a complex and often challenging process. By avoiding these common mistakes made in personal injury cases, you’ll have a much better chance of getting the compensation you deserve. Remember to contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible, provide complete information, and don’t rush into a settlement. With a dedicated lawyer and a well-constructed case, you can put the difficult times behind you and get your life on track.