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6 Important Things to Tell Your Personal Injury Attorney

Mar 20, 2018 | Firm News

If you have been involved in an accident and you decide to hire an experienced personal injury attorney, it is very important that you understand the details you should provide to your attorney in order to increase your chances of winning. To strategize your case in an effective manner, your lawyer should know the important facts. Any misrepresenting facts, or omitted information can cause your case to collapse.

During your consultation, some of the details a personal injury attorney will require are:

  • Prior Illness and Injuries – This is typically the main point that insurance companies and employers use to fight back. Because they have access to your medical records and history, they can try and link past injuries to the current injury. You should make sure to let your attorney know about previous accidents, emotional distress issues, or even prior mental issues so there are no surprises in the courtroom and your attorney can be prepared.
  • Criminal Background – Your attorney will need to run a background check anyway so let them know ahead of time if you have a criminal background. Some previous crimes may be used by opposing counsel to show you are untrustworthy and it is important for your legal team to be prepared.
  • Bankruptcy Proceedings – It is important to let your attorney know if you are currently undergoing bankruptcy proceedings. The pain and suffering settlement that you are aiming for may be added to your estate and you may not actually receive the money. A bankruptcy can also change the strategy that your team had planned for your suit.
  • Ongoing Divorce – Although divorce can be a sensitive issue, it can also affect your personal injury case in many ways. For instance, if you are going through a contested divorce, your spouse might be called by the defendant and end up weakening your claim. However, if there is evidence that your divorce was related to your injury, this may add emotional distress to the compensation package.
  • Medicaid or Medicare – Assuming you have health coverage and your medical bills have already been sorted by your insurer, this can change the direction of your case. You should notify your attorney beforehand and provide all documentation supporting the facts.
  • Tax Issues – Not filing your taxes or receiving pay “off the books,” can cause an issue if you fail to inform your attorney. The IRS can catch up with you during your case which can potentially lead to your settlement being confiscated along with some of your current assets included the settlement. Recovering lost wages is extremely difficult when a client has tax issues.

The more you collaborate and cooperate with our personal injury team, the better your chances of winning your case. Avoid keeping anything from your attorney as this might cost you your case.

If you have been injured in an accident make sure to contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Committed to helping you and those you love, The Law Offices of Michael A. Scafiddi have been providing professional advocacy in various types of personal injury cases throughout Southern California. Let us evaluate your case, offer honest advice, and help build a strong case to ensure you receive compensation for your injury. Call us today at 909-381-1000 to make an appointment.

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