Suffering a personal injury can be overwhelming and feel like a major life setback, particularly if it’s a debilitating accident. The steps you take immediately after, however, can make a significant difference to your ongoing health, legal rights, and ability to claim compensation.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Of course, you should look to seek compensation eventually if you feel it’s owed to you, but your health should always be the priority. Even if you feel fine or your injuries seem minor, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as concussions, might not show serious symptoms straight away, and delays in treatment can lead to complications.
A thorough medical examination also creates an official record of your injuries, which can be critical if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim later when you’re feeling up to it. Early assessment also helps to prevent worsening health issues, as you’ll know right from the get-go what (if any) lasting damage has been done and what your options are.
Report the Incident
Reporting the incident to the correct authority is a vital step but who you report to will depend on where and how you’ve been injured. If it happened at work, immediately inform your employer and make sure the accident is logged in the company’s accident book. For road traffic accidents, meanwhile, contact the police if necessary and exchange details with the other parties involved. If you’re injured in a public place, notify the property owner or manager. If you can’t find them, you might need to seek legal advice.
Regardless of who you file the report to, making an official report ensures there’s a clear record of what happened. This documentation can support any compensation cases and help avoid disputes about the specific details of the incident.
Gather and Preserve Evidence
Strong evidence can significantly improve your chances of a successful claim. Start by taking clear photographs of the accident scene, any visible injuries, and any contributing factors (such as a wet floor or damaged equipment). Your phone camera should suffice. If there are witnesses who can vouch for your claim, try to ask for their names and contact details too.
Keep copies of any correspondence, receipts for medical treatment, and records of expenses related to your injury. Preserving this evidence will support your version of events and help prove the extent of your losses. Again, however, we stress that you always look out for your health first before undertaking any evidential work.
Consult a Personal Injury Solicitor
Once you’ve taken care of immediate health and reporting concerns, seek legal advice from a personal injury solicitor. They can not only offer help in understanding the various types of personal injury claims and explain your legal rights but should be able to take care of everything involving the claim itself so you can focus on getting better!
