If You Are Injured ...

As stated on our Personal Injury Page, take care of first things first. Get medical attention for yourself and your loved ones. If you need medical attention and can not afford it, contact us and we will help you find access to medical care.

After you take care of medical needs and any other urgent needs, report your injury to the appropriate authorities. If you were, or a loved one was, injured in a nursing home, report it to your local Ombudsman (or click here for Georgia). Also, keep in mind that time limits (Statutes of Limitations) apply to injury claims. If you are going to file suit against the person who hurt you (which is necessary even if the insurance company ultimately pays you), then you must bring your claim before the Statute of Limitations expires. Although there are exceptions (and you should speak with a lawyer to get the right time limit for your claim), in Georgia the limitations period is usually within two (2) years from the date of injury and, in Tennessee, usually within one (1) year from the date of injury.

Write down important information so you can remember it later. Get documents that others will need to help you. For example, you should collect the following:

The date, time and conditions where you were injured.

Clearly identify the place where you were injured (e.g., address, room number, etc.)

Names and addresses of witnesses. Note anyone who was there regardless of what you think they know

If a product injured you, write down everything you can find about the brand, model number, where it was purchased, when purchased, ect.

Write down a summary (a history) of what happened. (Remember, we were not there and you will need to tell us - in detail - what happened)

Write down your best description of how the injury has altered your life (activity, income, expenses, etc.)

If you have any records or photographs that would help you show how your life is different, collect them and show them to us

Write down the names and addresses of every health care provider you have used during the five (5) years prior to the injury and since your injury

Tell us about every injury you have had in the past, paying particular attention if the same part of your body has been injured before

Bring us your medical records if you have them

If an accident report or an injury report was prepared, bring it to us

Keep in mind that our legal system functions by making accountability decisions relating to events that lawyers, the judge and jurors did not witness. Information is critical if you want us to help you get a just result. If you have any doubt concerning the value of details concerning your injury (how it happened, the extent of your injury, or how your life has changed), write down what you know so you do not forget it. Put your notes in the form of a "Letter to your Lawyer" so they will remain confidential. We will evaluate the information for you and let you know which details are important. In other words, if you have any questions, call us. That is why we are here.

© 2004, Law Office of David L. McGuffey, LLC

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