If you have recently been involved in an accident which left you injured, then you may now be in a position in which it makes sense to consider filing a personal injury claim in order to receive financial compensation for your losses. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions we have heard from past clients who have been in a position highly similar to yours.
How do I determine the value of my case?
There is a multitude of factors that goes into determining the value of personal injury cases. However, it should be noted that insurance companies will do the best to downplay its value while your personal injury lawyer in St John’s will do everything within their power to maximize its value in order to get you the highest settlement possible.
One of the biggest determining factors is lasting symptoms. After all, if you will still be left with impairments after your injuries are fully healed, you will also require long-term treatment which can be very costly. Brain and spinal cord injuries especially are prone to bring forth different results for different people. Quite some time will need to pass to determine the true value of a case like that.
When will my case be settled?
As we have already established, some injuries will require longer periods of medical observation in treatment in order to determine the value of the associated cases. However, as a rule of thumb, you will generally be looking at a one to three-year period, depending on the severity of your personal injuries. You will need to ask your lawyer for a more accurate estimate.
What is the statute of limitations?
The statute of limitations is basically a deadline that you will need to meet when it comes to the filing of your personal injury claim. Should you miss your deadline, your claim will be denied and you will receive no compensation.
Can my social media posts be used against me?
Yes, insurance companies have begun to observe the social media activity of plaintiffs in hopes of catching incriminating evidence to use against you. So if you are trying to prove the severity of your injuries, it is not a good idea to post pictures of you doing Pilates or going rock climbing.
Are there other forms of surveillance I should be watching out for?
Absolutely. Insurance companies have been known to let plaintiffs be tracked if they have reason to believe that you are faking your condition or withholding information regarding changes and improvements in your condition. If you have been noticing a dark van parked outside while you are heading somewhere, then that may be an investigator hired by your insurer.