,
This is a placeholder for the Yext Knolwedge Tags. This message will not appear on the live site, but only within the editor. The Yext Knowledge Tags are successfully installed and will be added to the website.
Johnson & Legislador PLC - Logo
Request a Consultation
This is a placeholder for the Yext Knolwedge Tags. This message will not appear on the live site, but only within the editor. The Yext Knowledge Tags are successfully installed and will be added to the website.

Blog Layout

3 Mistakes to Avoid in a Personal Injury Claim

November 12, 2024

Filing a personal injury claim can be an overwhelming and stressful process. Many people, understandably, make mistakes that can jeopardize the success of their claim. Knowing what to avoid can make the difference between a favorable settlement and a disappointing outcome. Here, we explore the most common pitfalls to ensure you don't fall into them when seeking compensation. We hope this blog will not only help guide readers through the process of finding a personal injury lawyer but also put any worries at rest!


Mistake 1: Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

One major mistake is failing to seek medical attention immediately. Even if your injuries seem minor at the time, getting a medical check-up is crucial. Not only does this ensure your well-being, but it also provides documented evidence of your injuries. Insurance companies often use the lack of medical records to argue that your injuries aren't as severe as claimed, weakening your case.


Mistake 2: Not Hiring an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

Another common error is not hiring an experienced personal injury attorney. Many people think they can handle their claim alone, but legal expertise significantly improves your chances of success. According to The Law Dictionary, more than 90% of personal injury cases that go to trial end in victory for the plaintiff. This statistic emphasizes the importance of having skilled legal representation to navigate the complexities of personal injury law and argue your case effectively.


Mistake 3: Accepting the First Settlement Offer

Additionally, many claimants make the mistake of accepting the first settlement offer. Insurance companies often offer a low initial settlement hoping you will take it without exploring your options. It's essential to understand the full extent of your damages, including long-term medical costs and lost wages, before agreeing to any settlement. Consulting with your attorney can help you determine whether an offer is fair or if you should negotiate for a better deal.


Avoiding common mistakes when filing a personal injury claim can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. Seek immediate medical attention, hire an experienced personal injury attorney, and be wary of quick settlement offers. Being mindful of these points ensures that you are on the right path toward receiving the compensation you deserve. Be sure to reach out to Johnson & Legislador PLC today for more information on hiring a personal injury lawyer!

workers' compensation attorneys
March 17, 2025
Navigating workers' compensation can be daunting. Explore scenarios in which you may benefit from the expertise of workers' compensation attorneys.
By Robert J. Legislador July 29, 2024
The Social Security Administration will now only consider work performed in the last 5 years in determining a disability applicant's past relevant work helping older disability applicants. Part of the Social Security Administration’s analysis in determining whether someone qualifies for disability benefits is whether the individual is still capable of performing past relevant work as defined by their rules. Historically, the administration would look back 15 years to determine an individual’s past relevant work. However, the Social Security Administration recently announced it will now only look back 5 years to determine an individual’s past relevant work. See SSA rule change here . Why is this a big deal for older social security disability applicants? In the case of a younger individual, defined as a person 49 years of age or younger, the individual must prove their disability is so severe they cannot perform any work in the national economy. Thus, this new rule change has no impact on younger individuals’ disability claims. However, this changes if the individual is age 50 or older. An individual 50 years of age no longer must prove they cannot perform any work in the national economy, but instead, they must prove they cannot return to past relevant work and cannot perform work that requires greater than sedentary physical exertional level. This is where the recent rule change is significant. Under the old rule, if a 50-year-old individual performed sedentary work 14 years ago and then worked light duty jobs up to the time they became unable to work, that distant sedentary job would disqualify the individual for disability benefits. Under the new 5 year look back rule, that same individual would qualify for disability benefits because the agency will not consider the prior sedentary work since it occurred over 5 years ago. This rule change has an even more profound positive impact on disability applicants over the age of fifty-five. This rule change helps bring into focus an individuals’ most recent relevant work activity while still providing enough information for the agency to continue making accurate determinations. It also helps older individuals applying for disability benefits as they no longer must recall details including dates, duties, and job titles spanning 15 years thus limiting the chances of an incomplete or inaccurate record while reducing the time needed to fill out forms. In sum, this rule change will result in a higher percentage of older disabled individuals qualifying for social security disability. At Johnson & Legislador, PLC, our social security disability lawyers have the experience and a proven record to help you win your case. If you can no longer work due to disabling medical conditions and want to apply for social security disability or have recently had your social security disability claim denied call Johnson & Legislador, PLC now at (319) 662-6055 or fill out our online Consultation Form for a fee claim evaluation.
By Robert. J. Legislador July 27, 2024
Pre-Existing Conditions and Work Injuries
July 22, 2024
While every social security disability case is different, and the following facts are not required to be successful in a claim for social security disability, these factors are commonly seen in successful cases.
October 26, 2022
Without the help of personal injury attorneys, victims are typically very unaware of the claim process. Hire a personal injury lawyer asap for the best results.
personal injury lawyer
April 7, 2022
Do you need a personal injury lawyer? Learn how personal injury lawyers help their clients win their cases. If you need representation, give us a call.
Share by: