Steps to Take After a Serious Injury in Butler, PA

Whether you are involved in a car accident, workplace accident, or animal attack, the incident can happen in the blink of an eye. A serious injury can put more than a wrench in your vacation plans, also impacting your ability to provide for your family. Generally, serious injuries often require medical care and services for the rest of a person’s life. Even when the other party’s negligence seems clear, you may still be denied adequate recovery.

At Conlon Tarker, P.C., we believe that personal injury victims are entitled to just compensation. Preserving your claim is essential, and to do so, you should contact our Butler, PA, serious injury attorneys immediately.

Call 911

Following a serious injury, your top priority should be your well-being. Your first call should be to 911. Be sure to inform the 911 dispatcher that you were in an accident and the type of injury you sustained. The emergency personnel who arrive at the accident scene will assess your injuries, stabilize any injuries if needed, and transport you to the hospital. Once you arrive at the ER, insist on a full medical evaluation and diagnostic testing to rule out any underlying issues. By receiving medical attention immediately, you preserve your claim.

Contact the Police

Not all personal injury claims involve law enforcement. However, Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 3746 requires that you contact the police after a motor vehicle accident if there are any injuries, fatalities, or extensive property damage. If you have already been rushed to the hospital, any other parties involved are legally responsible for contacting the police. The responding police officer will file a crash report detailing the key aspects of the crash. The police report will be the only piece of supporting documentation submitted as part of your claim.

Document Everything

Keep everything, including damaged cell phones, broken eyeglasses, and any other personal items from the scene. If you are not able to take photos at the scene, ask a friend to photograph any identifying landmarks, skid marks, treacherous road conditions, or poor lighting. If there were any witnesses, I took down their names and contact information.

Especially with serious or catastrophic injuries, you will want to keep medical documentation related to your accident. This will include appointment summaries, diagnostic and laboratory test results, and a list of prescriptions. Additionally, track all out-of-pocket costs, including doctor’s visits, lost income, hospitalizations, and mobility aids. These expenses comprise the bulk of personal injury claims.

Keep a Pain Journal

Not all damages have a financial component, with emotional and physical injuries also impacting your daily life. Keeping a pain journal will allow you to track your daily pain levels and any new symptoms. In addition to rating pain severity, indicate where the pain is located. This journal should include a daily log that details the physical limitations posed by your injuries. A pain journal can often provide the insurance company or jury with further insight than any diagnostic test or procedure.

Contact A Serious Injury Attorney

Unlike your standard personal injury case, serious injury claims often involve long-term care needs. Often, hiring a life-care planner is necessary to understand your medical needs and which services will benefit you most. This can place a financial strain on families who are already struggling to get by. A

t Conlon Tarker, P.C., our Forest County serious injury lawyers know what evidence needs to be gathered to safeguard your rights and your pocketbook. Additionally, our team of experienced lawyers knows the best approach to negotiating with claims adjusters. As always, helping you obtain a maximum settlement or award is our primary goal.

Reach Out to Our Forest County Serious Injury Lawyers

If you or a family member has suffered serious injuries following an accident, Conlon Tarker, P.C., would like to speak with you. For decades, our Forest County serious injury attorneys have assisted families in northwestern Pennsylvania. Let us put our knowledge and experience to work for you. To schedule your free consultation, our office can be reached online or by calling (724) 285-7700.