Personal injury is a complex discipline, and attempting a lawsuit without an attorney by your side is never a good idea. The first thing you should do once you are safe and out of harm’s way is to call for professional advice on your situation. Most people are unaware that seemingly harmless comments or actions can end up adversely affecting the outcome of their case, perhaps even costing you a large sum of money. In this article, we look at several ways that you could unknowingly sabotage your own legal case.
- You skip doctor’s appointments: Insurance companies and opposing attorneys routinely score points in court cases when they can prove the plaintiff is skipping their doctor appointments or not attending rehab. The reason should be apparent- if your injury is as bad as you say, why aren’t you seeking treatment? If you have been injured and are suing for compensation, make sure to attend every appointment.
- You lied about your medical history: Lying about any part of a legal case is likely to backfire, but lying about any pre-existing conditions is a sure way to sabotage your case. Be honest with your lawyer and your physicians about any pre-existing pain you may have had. If the situation at hand aggravated the pain, you are typically eligible for compensation. Always be upfront and tell the truth.
- You ignored your doctor’s recommendations as to activity: When your physician puts limits on your activity, and you choose to ignore that advice, you may find yourself in trouble. Insurance companies will monitor your social media – and, if the case is large enough – may even hire someone to follow you. If your doctor advised that you do not go for your morning run because of your injuries, but you decide to do so anyway – it could hurt your financial prospects.
- You changed your story: After an accident, things can seem chaotic and confusing. But if your story regarding the details of your accident change, your adversary will try to make your inconsistencies look like deliberate lies. We recommend that you document as much as you can immediately following the accident to keep the details straight – take notes, write down everything you remember, and take many photos if possible.
- You talked about your accident on social media: As mentioned, insurance companies definitely pay attention to social media. The most common error claimants make posting photographs and commentary about your accident on social pages. A simple comment like “I’m doing ok, thank you for all the concern.” can be interpreted as not being injured as you claim. In fact, it is best to stay off social media completely – even a photo of you smiling with friends at the beach can be used against you.
- You don’t follow your attorney’s instructions during litigation and negotiations: You hired an attorney because they have the expertise you need to get the settlement you deserve. Not listening to our advice can sabotage your efforts – we’ve been down this road many times and know all the tricks and pitfalls. We only have one goal in mind when we offer guidance: to get you the best settlement possible for your injuries.
If an attorney takes your case, they believe that you have an excellent chance at a financial settlement. Don’t sabotage your legal case – speak with one of Probinsky & Cole attorneys today.
We are personal injury attorneys with offices in Sarasota, Brandon, and Orlando.
