When you are the victim of a personal injury accident, it is of course your priority to find representation that you trust and will work hard for you. It is also true that your lawyer is seeking a “good client” in retaining you – but what does this mean?
In personal injury, being a good client will assist in obtaining the best outcome for you. This blog will outline some tips on how to facilitate the best possible lawyer-client relationship between you and your lawyer.
- Be responsive.
To build your case, your lawyer will require effective communication from you. Whether it is by way of phone, email, or in-person meetings, it is important that you answer your lawyer’s questions in a timely manner. They are asking specific questions that require fulsome responses from you to assist in the discovery of important documents to assist in the resolution of your claim.
- Attend all medical appointments.
It is the law that you, as a claimant, have a duty to try and get better. This is called ‘mitigating your damages’. To this, you should attend all medical appointments that have been scheduled by your doctor, by the insurance companies, or by your lawyer. You should see your treatment providers on a regular basis. You should consider and implement all recommendations from your treatment providers for further treatment.
Your lawyer builds your file by using your medical records. Continuity of treatment is important to show both that you are mitigating your damages as well as to show your injuries are permanent and/or serious.
- Stay off of social media.
Like your friends and family, the defense team has an interest in what you are up to in your personal life. Though social media tends to be a person’s highlight reel, it can come across as proof that you are not as injured or impaired as you claim to be. To prevent the raising of red flags, we recommend that you delete your social media for the duration of your claim. If this is not possible, at the very least you should make all accounts private and be mindful of what you are posting. Posting photos of travel, concerts, and sports, for example, may signal to the defense that you are not a legitimate claimant. Tell your friends and family as well not to tag you in any of their posts.
- Trust your lawyer.
Working closely with a lawyer requires your trust and honesty. During your client-solicitor relationship, your lawyer will learn about your personal life, earnings, hobbies, and relationships. It is vital that you do not mislead your lawyer in disclosing these details. Full transparency will assist your lawyer in building the best case for your situation.
All discussions within this relationship are confidential. Your lawyer has no interest in your personal life outside of assisting you in your claim. Your lawyer will keep your discussions, medical records, and personal details confidential outside of litigation.
Follow these tips to facilitate a productive relationship with your lawyer. It is important to choose to work with lawyers that you like and trust, especially considering that you may be working with them for years as you navigate the legal process together.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a motor vehicle collision, contact us at JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLP and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.