There are some personal injury cases that seem so clear cut that they practically win themselves. The problem is that people often do not receive a claim that is in the maximum amount that is deserved. This usually happens because of limited record keeping, poor organization, and faulty memories. By taking advantage of a few tips you will be able to increase your chances of getting the maximum damage amount available.
| Indiana Personal Injury Laws | |
|
Statute of Limitations |
2 Years |
| Damages Recoverable | medical expenses, pain and suffering, cost of household help, lost wages, future earning ability, property damage, |
| Strict Liability | Product manufacturer may be liable for injuries caused by a consumer product |
| Joint Liability | Each defendant liable for percent of damages as determined by court |
| Contributory Negligence | If plaintiff is found by the court to be more at fault than any other party, no damages will be awarded. |
Always obtain copies of your medical bill after each visit. This should be done even if your company or insurance company is paying for the visit. Even though your attorney can later request copies of your medical bills there is always the chance that bills and financial documents have been lost since your actual visit. To avoid this get a copy of the bill as soon as you can and keep them well organized so that you can give them to your attorney if necessary.
Many people forget to keep receipts for small items purchased as a result of their injury. It is easy to overlook small expenses forgetting that these expenses add up as the weeks and months go by. Each time you visit the pharmacy keep a copy of your receipt to document the money you have spent on medication. Also, save the bottles to help keep track of the types of medicines you were taking and frequency in case you forget. In addition to keeping the bottles write down the names of all medicines being taken, the dates they were taking, and the time they were taken.
Remember to document other items that were purchased as a direct result of your injury. Any bandages, gaze, alcohol, or peroxide should be documented. Do not forget other items like aspirin, sleeping pills, heating pads, cushions for sitting, ramps, or wheel chairs. Keep receipts for any item that you would not have purchased unless you were injured.
Personal injury in Indiana allows individuals to collect compensation for the time missed from work because of the injury. Pay stubs will help demonstrate how much work was missed by comparing hours worked over a time frame. Pay stubs will also show when you were not at work because of after effects of the injury, medical appointments caused by the injury, and more. Pay stubs also tell their own story by letting a judge see a rapid decline in take home pay.
For more information about your specific case, contact an Indiana Personal Injury Lawyer.