A personal injury lawsuit is the best way for employees or families to get a reprieve or settlement for injuries obtained during service delivery or accidents. To get the best out of these cases, you need to contact a personal injury attorney who is well-versed in workplace laws, especially those related to injuries. However, you need to establish a conducive working relationship with the attorney before committing to their service.
A good attorney should make you feel comfortable, confident, and respected. However, to achieve this, you need to establish a relationship based on honesty. You should be honest with your attorney and tell him everything related to the case. This way, they can create a robust defense and help you win the case. Keep in mind that everything you share is confidential and is protected under the attorney-client privilege. Here are six things you need to tell your personal injury lawyer to aid your case.
You Have a Pre-existing Injury
It’s advisable to disclose any previous injury you may have sustained at work or elsewhere, especially if it’s in the same spot you were recently injured. Having a previous injury may not interfere with your compensation but may affect the outcome of your lawsuit. With the help of a competent legal team such as Bagen Law Accident Injury Lawyers, you can access old medical documents and show the distinction between old and new injuries.
Your Criminal History
If you have any past running with the law, misdemeanors, or felonies, you need to come clean with your lawyer. Past transgressions may not influence the current case but may come in handy when discussing character. Most insurance companies will carry out a background check on you. If your criminal history affects your credibility, the lawyer is likely to suggest a personal injury mediation or settlement.
Your Involvement in the Accident
Part of being honest with your attorney is revealing if you are partly at fault for the accident. In some states, you are still liable for compensation for a personal injury if you are not 50% or more at fault. However, the degree of settlement is likely to be reduced based on your level of involvement.
You Have Been Re-Injured
If you sustain any injuries after the accident, you should tell your attorney. This information helps your legal team prepare a defense based on the original accident. Your lawyer will look for medical documents that distinguish the two injuries.
If You Have Filed for Bankruptcy
Filing for bankruptcy means your settlement or any compensations you receive will be used to settle your creditors. However, if you disclose the information to your lawyers, they are able to work a deal with the bankruptcy lawyer to enable you to retain some of the funds for personal needs.
Working off the Books
People who put in extra hours or work off books often don’t want to share the information. However, it’s best to share this with your attorney. If you don’t pay or avoid taxes for wages paid to work off books, it can be difficult for your attorney to recover lost wages or find a suitable settlement. Your lawyer needs to know the information to know how to approach the case and recover lost wages.