Most personal injury victims do not realize that aspects of their personal life can dramatically affect their claim and their potential settlement. If you are filing a personal injury claim, make sure that you are upfront and honest about everything in your life. This is so your attorney can properly strategize and prepare for unique circumstances in your claim.
Remember to tell your personal injury attorney the following information about you and your case:
-
Information about your accident and injury: Provide your attorney with details about what happened, where it occurred, parties involved, information about witnesses, and the extent of your injuries. The more details you are able to give your attorney, the more prepared he or she can be while compiling your claim.
-
Any previous injuries and health issues: Insurance companies may look through your medical records to identify pre-existing conditions or other reasons to minimize your settlement. Be honest with your attorney about your medical history, including mental illnesses, previous injuries, and other information about your health.
-
Bankruptcy: In some states, your personal injury settlement can be counted as a part of your estate. In North Carolina, personal injury awards are typically exempt while pain and suffering damages may be included in a bankruptcy estate. For best possible results, coordinate with your personal injury attorney and bankruptcy lawyer.
-
Criminal history: Let your attorney know if you have been convicted or arrested for misdemeanors and/or felonies. The insurance companies will do a thorough background check on you in an attempt to discredit your claims. While having a criminal history shouldn’t disqualify you from recovering personal injury compensation, your attorney should know about this information so he or she can prepare accordingly.
-
Divorce: Even something as personal as a divorce should be discussed with your injury lawyer. Your compensation award could be included as a part of your property division settlement. Also, if your spouse is divorcing you because of your injury, you may be able to calculate this as a part of your emotional distress damages.
-
Contacts with insurance companies: If insurance companies are contacting you and asking you to make statements or sign off on anything - don’t do it without consulting your attorney. One wrong word can put you at risk of receiving a less than ideal settlement.
An experienced attorney will know what type of questions to ask you in order to prepare the most effective claim possible. At Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC, our Charleston personal injury attorneys have decades of proven experience helping South Carolina’s injured seek full and fair recovery from insurers. We put all of our resources, knowledge, and experience to fight for your best interests.
Schedule a free, confidential consultation today by calling (843) 968-0886.