Suffering an injury that affects your physical appearance can be distressing and traumatic. The physical and emotional toll involved in disfigurement and complications following surgery can lead to lingering health problems like post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD), depression, and anxiety, which can, in turn, take a toll on your finances.
People with disfiguring injuries caused by another person’s negligence or wrongdoing may be entitled to compensation and hold the negligent party responsible for their injury and its consequences. Therefore, it is important to understand the legal options available in such cases and what you should do after an accident. The following reasons may compel you to contact a personal injury lawyer right away.
They Will Help You Understand Your Options
The first step in recovering from a disfiguring injury is understanding your options. The insurance company will likely try to offer you a settlement as quickly as possible, which could be much lower than what you deserve. In these cases, it is important to understand the significance of your injuries and damages before agreeing to any settlement. As explained by personal injury lawyers at Olson Law Firm, an experienced legal representative can help ensure that you receive fair compensation for all the losses suffered. They will also review your claim and help determine the best course of action to recover your losses.
You Might Not Get Compensation If You Delay
One of the most important reasons to seek legal help immediately after an injury that affects your appearance is that any delay in legal action may affect your ability to get compensation. Most personal injury claims must be brought within specific time limits, which vary by state and type of case. The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit because of someone else’s negligence is typically two years, but this period can be shorter if you signed a contract with the responsible party. If you miss these deadlines, you might lose your right to file an injury claim at all.
You Might Not Be Able to Afford Treatment
Many people face serious financial problems as a result of their inability to work after such an incident. The costs of ongoing care might not only affect your current pocket but also put you under severe stress that impacts your financial situation over time. For example, expensive surgery or ongoing rehabilitation might force you to take out a large loan or even file for bankruptcy if you don’t have adequate insurance coverage. Therefore, it is important to understand what kind of compensation you’re entitled to receive from the liable party before starting treatment. Hiring a lawyer during the early stages of your case can help you avoid facing financial ruin.
They Will Help you Negotiate With Insurance Companies
Another benefit of contacting a personal injury lawyer immediately after your accident is that it will be easier for you to negotiate with insurance providers. Working with an experienced attorney can help make sure you get full coverage for all your injuries and all related costs, including medical bills, therapy sessions, property damage, lost income due to time off work, and other damages. Also, if the responsible party has little or no assets, working with an attorney speeds up the claims process by ensuring that your claim gets forwarded to their insurers without any unnecessary delays.
An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Can Conduct an Appropriate Investigation
Without hiring a personal injury attorney, you might not have access to certain evidence that can affect your case. For example, an attorney is more likely than most people to know what steps to take to obtain police reports, witness accounts, surveillance footage related to the incident, medical records about your diagnosis and treatment, and any other materials that can help prove your case. In addition, a lawyer can make sure you get the best medical care after your injury happens by setting up consultations with various specialists who are best equipped to handle your injuries.
Facial Disfigurement May Rise Your Claim’s Value
In addition to physical scars, facial disfigurement can significantly affect your ability to enjoy everyday activities and socialize with loved ones. In some cases, an accident that results in a scarred or disfigured face also affects the victim’s quality of life in ways that may raise the value of his or her claim. For example, you might be able to argue for a bigger settlement by showing how your injury has left you unable to pursue certain career opportunities due to low self-esteem and psychological trauma arising from the disfigurement itself. Thus, if you are seeking compensation for the physical and mental trauma of disfigurement, it makes sense to speak with an attorney before starting a treatment or making any other decisions about your claim.
Individuals who are the victims of accidents that cause disfigurement face a long road to recovery. However, by seeking legal support in the early stages of their cases, these victims have a better chance of obtaining full compensation for all related injuries and damages. By taking action immediately after an accident, you can ensure that your claim is treated fairly and that all your rights are protected.
