Creating your Case: Steps to Take Immediately After an Injury

Written by: Ziv Tsimerman

Personal injuries are often sudden and unexpected. People usually feel dazed, shocked, and confused immediately after suffering a personal injury. However, the actions you take immediately after your injury can make or break your case. It is important for you to work closely with your lawyer to present a strong, convincing, and successful case. Regardless of your injury, here are some steps you should take immediately after your injury to help your lawyer build your case:

  1. Photographs: Photographs contemporaneous with the incident are invaluable to a lawyer. They aid in establishing damages and liability- two essential components to a personal injury action. Take pictures of your injury, the surroundings, the damages to your belongings, and anything else that would help your case. Take as many pictures as you can and use various angles.
  2. Witness Statements: Witness statements are vital in proving that the incident in which you were injured actually occurred. Try to obtain a witness statement from people who observed the incident in its entirety. Witness statements will make it difficult for the opposing party to assert that the incident in which you were injured never occurred. Get the contact information of the witnesses, including their name and phone number.
  3. Medical Attention: Seek medical attention right away and explain the details of your injuries to the medical practitioner. Seek ambulatory assistance if necessary. Do not delay medical treatment if you require it!
  4. Call your lawyer: Consult with a lawyer immediately regarding bringing a civil action.

The information you obtain at this site (including this blog) is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult a lawyer for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as a lawyer-client relationship has been established.