In an effort to ensure all of Calgary—and indeed, all of Alberta—has the information they need to make sure their rights are protected in the event of an injury, the dedicated personal injury law firm of Cuming & Gillespie LLP has dedicated itself to publishing a series of articles detailing some basic information that is pertinent in many personal injury cases. This information is only meant as a general guide to your rights and what you might expect as your case progresses; for specific legal questions and assistance, please contact our office today.
In Part 1 of this series, you learned that the very first steps you should take following an accident that caused you serious injury are:
1) seek immediate medical attention
2) contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible
These actions are both essential, not only for your health and recovery but also from a legal perspective. Your personal injury case begins the second your accident happens—you could even say it goes back further than that, in some cases, to whenever the hazardous conditions leading to your accident were created. It is important to begin documenting everything as soon as possible, which is why seeking a doctor’s care and contacting a lawyer are so important. The information collected by these professionals will be instrumental in developing your case.
Meeting with Your Personal Injury Lawyer
After you have contacted a lawyer and answered some basic questions regarding your accident and your injuries, the next step will typically be an in-person meeting with a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case in greater depth, and for your lawyer to provide some details about the next steps you’ll be taking. It is likely that your lawyer will need to speak to the medical professionals who have been treating you, and they will also need permission to access certain medical records.
In the days, weeks, and months following your accident, your focus should be on two things: getting better by following your doctor’s orders, and advising your lawyer of your injuries and their impact on your life. For many injuries, what were once simple chores become all but impossible feats of strength and endurance, and mobility and quality of life can be severely impacted. Note the differences in your life following your injury, and note which areas seem to be improving as your medical care progresses or if any of your symptoms appear to be here to stay. These details are important for you, for your doctor, and for your legal team, and will help everyone better understand the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.
Contact Calgary’s Premier Personal Injury Law Firm Today
If you or a family member has been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, please contact the dedicated personal injury lawyers at Cuming & Gillespie LLP today. We offer a free initial consultation to all injury victims, and we’ll fight to get you the justice you deserve.