Personal injury attorneys are often called upon to represent clients who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence. These injuries could include car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, dog bites, etc. In many cases, victims do not know what type of legal action to take against the person responsible for causing their injuries. This is where a personal injury attorney can help. A personal injury lawyer can review the facts of the case, advise you about your options, and assist you throughout the entire process. Here are some things you must tell your personal injury attorney:
You want to make sure that you are completely honest with your attorney regarding any prior or current illnesses or injuries you may have. You never know what information he or she might uncover during discovery.
In some cases, your attorney may ask you questions about your previous injuries or illnesses. For example, if you have a history of arthritis, your attorney may ask whether you suffer from it now. Or if you have a history of migraines, your attorney may ask how often you experience one.
If you have a history of depression, your attorney may ask about your medications. He or she may also ask about your family history of mental illness. Your attorney may also ask about your hobbies, interests, and activities. All of this information could help him or she determine whether you suffered from emotional distress due to your injury.
BankruptcyDeclaring bankruptcy may feel embarrassing. You might even think about it as a sign of weakness. However, there are many reasons why people declare bankruptcy. Some do it because they want to avoid paying off debts. Others do it to protect themselves against losing their home or car. Still, others do it because they don't want to pay taxes. And still, others do it because they're afraid of being sued. Whatever the reason, declaring bankruptcy is something that you must consider carefully.
If you decide to file for bankruptcy, you'll need to hire a lawyer. Your personal injury attorney will likely help you prepare your petition. He or she will review your financial situation and explain how filing for bankruptcy affects your personal injury claim.
Your Criminal HistoryYou don't want to lie under oath. But what happens if you do? What if you're caught lying during a deposition, trial, or even a police interview? Do you risk being disbarred, losing your job, or getting arrested? In fact, it's happened to many people. And it could happen to you.
The truth is, there are things you can do to make sure you don't end up in court because of something you did in the past. For example, if you've ever been accused of a crime, you might think twice before taking the stand. Or you might consider how much you really want to testify against someone else.
If you're thinking about testifying in court, here are some things you should know:
If you are injured while working, it's important to know that most states recognize claims for "emotional distress." This includes things like anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. If you've been diagnosed with any of these conditions, your doctor might recommend therapy, medication, or both.
Your lawyer may be able to use this information to help you win a bigger settlement.
Working “Off The Books”Many people are employed under the table, without paying taxes. This includes those working part-time jobs, freelancers, independent contractors, and others. These workers often struggle to prove wage loss because they aren’t paid enough money to file tax returns. However, there are ways to help your personal injury lawyer obtain compensation for lost wages.
If your employer doesn’t withhold payroll taxes, you may owe additional taxes. You can find out whether you owe any taxes here.
Your personal injury attorney needs to know about any unreported income. They may be able to use this information to recover lost wages. For example, if you worked full-time and earned $50,000 per year, but didn’t report it, your personal injury attorney could argue that you lost $25,000 in wages.
Medicaid or MedicareIf you have Medicaid or Medicare coverage, it’s vital to let your personal injury attorney know about it. This way, he or she knows what to look out for during the process. For example, if you have Medicaid, your attorney needs to make sure that the hospital where you received treatment is part of the state program. If you have Medicare, your attorney needs to find out whether the provider is covered under the plan.
Your attorney may want to request copies of your bill(s), receipts, and correspondence related to your care. He or she may even want to speak directly with the providers involved.
In addition, your attorney might want to talk to your health insurance carrier to see if there are any outstanding balances or liens against your account. These conversations could help your lawyer determine how much money you owe the hospital or doctor, and how much the insurance company owes you.
Talk to a Personal Injury LawyerAn experienced personal injury lawyer in Harris County, Galveston County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, Brazoria County, Houston, Sugar Land, Missouri City, and Stafford, Texas at Thornton Esquire Law Group, PLLC will take over the case from the very beginning and make sure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. A personal injury lawyer will help you recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other losses due to the accident. Contact us today at www.thorntonesquirelawgroup.com for a free consultation.