Westminster Brain Injury Attorneys

The brain is the control center of the body. As such, when it’s damaged in an accident, you may experience a wide range of complications that can drastically alter your way of life. If your injuries were the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury case to recover compensation for your losses. Our Westminster brain injury attorneys can meet with you to assess your claim and discuss your options for seeking damages.  We have recovered more than $300 million for personal injury victims in California. Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS to find out more.

Common Mistakes You Should Avoid During Proceedings

If it’s clear that another party was responsible for causing your injuries, you may be confident that you will win your claim. However, it takes just one minor mishap to bring a rock-solid case crumbling down. At best, errors can lead to delays as your attorney works to counter disputes; at worst, your claim may be denied, depriving you and your family of the funds you need to get your lives back on track.  At HPIL, our brain injury attorneys can help guide you through proceedings, explaining your role at each stage of negotiations and advising you on how to avoid serious mistakes that could impact your financial award. Below are a few common errors you should avoid while your claim is pending:

• Do Not Delay Your Doctor’s Visit: There are numerous reasons accident victims forego or delay treatment after suffering a brain injury. For example, their injuries may have seemed minor or they were simply too busy to schedule a doctor’s appointment. However, skipping this important step doesn’t just carry the risk of a potentially life-threatening condition going undiagnosed, but could also limit your ability to recover compensation for your losses. For example, the insurer may argue that your injuries cannot be as serious as your attorney is claiming as you did not require urgent care.  

• Do Not Post About Your Injuries Online: It’s understandable that you would want to reach out to friends and family on social media after an accident. Not only will you have a chance to vent your frustrations, but those in your circles can also provide emotional support and guidance during the emotional days and weeks to come. However, many insurance companies now monitor claimants’ social media pages to find information that could be used as evidence to challenge their cases. If, for instance, you posted about the accident and your comments contradict other evidence in your case, you could hand the insurer the opportunity to dispute liability and damages.

• Do Not Deviate from Your Treatment Plan: Whether it’s taking prescription medication, performing daily exercises, or booking time off work, you should always follow your doctor’s instructions. Going against their orders could cause your condition to worsen, stalling your recovery or leading to additional health complications. Your negligence could also lead to disputes when you file your claim. If it emerges that you didn’t follow your healthcare provider’s instructions, the insurer might assert that you are liable for some or all your damages. 

How Long Will My Brain Injury Claim Take to Resolve?

The attorneys at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers have many tools to help you win your claim, but unfortunately, a crystal ball isn’t part of our arsenal. Due to the unpredictable nature of proceedings, it’s impossible to promise a certain timeframe for your case. While some cases are resolved in just a few weeks, others—particularly if you are seeking a significant sum—may take months before a settlement or verdict is reached.  Here are a few factors that could affect how your case unfolds: 

• Are There Multiple Liable Parties? In some cases, one party may be entirely liable for your damages. However, there are many situations where fault is shared among multiple parties. Alternatively, you may also be held partially liable for the damages you incurred. It’s not unusual for parties to dispute how liability is apportioned, which could lead to delays.

• Do You Have Strong Evidence? Claims are won—or lost—based on the strength of the available evidence. If you are unable to prove certain aspects of your claim, it’s likely you will face disputes. For instance, while you can demonstrate that another party was responsible for causing the accident that led to your injuries, you will not receive a financial award if you don’t have evidence—such as medical bills—to prove your damages. If you encounter disputes, your attorney may need to gather additional evidence which could extend the time it takes to resolve your case.

• Are You Seeking a Significant Sum? If you are only seeking a small amount, the insurer has less of an incentive to commit resources towards disputing your claim. However, if that four-figure settlement turns into a seven-figure payday, you should expect opposing parties to challenge your case. After all, insurance companies make a profit by paying out less in claims than they earn in premiums. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, our brain injury attorneys can help determine fair compensation for the damages you’ve suffered while keeping the timeline of your case in mind.

• Did You Make Any Mistakes? After suffering a brain injury, it’s easy to make mistakes that could cost you a fair settlement. For instance, if you provided a recorded statement to the insurer, delayed medical treatment, or discussed the accident online, you will likely face disputes when you file your claim. At HPIL, we can help advise on how to protect your claim and avoid errors during proceedings. 

Speak to a Westminster Brain Injury Attorney Today

A brain injury can take an immense toll on your emotional, physical, and financial well-being. Our attorneys can help you hold the at-fault parties responsible for the damage they have caused. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS or contact us online to book a free case review.