| Pursuing a personal injury claim has its levels of | | | | compensation will depend on your economic and |
| difficulty. Claims may vary depending on the nature | | | | non-economic damages such pain and suffering. |
| of the case and the severity of the injuries sustained | | | | 5. Myth: Claims promote a "compensation culture". |
| in the accident. | | | | Fact: This is untrue. Some people say that pursuing |
| However, before getting started on your case, it | | | | claims promotes a culture where people would claim |
| pays to sort out information about personal injures | | | | for absolutely anything just to get money. Genuine |
| claims. Here are common myths surrounding the | | | | persons with legitimate cause to pursue a claim will |
| matter and the facts to match each misstatement: | | | | actually recover damages. |
| 1. Myth: You have to go to court to win | | | | 6. Myth: Claiming against an employer will lead you to |
| compensation. | | | | losing your job. |
| Fact: You do not necessarily have to go to court to | | | | Fact: The law protects workers in this situation. If |
| obtain compensation. Most personal injury claims are | | | | you had an accident at work, you have all the right |
| settled out of court even before litigation. Insurance | | | | to claim for injury or damages. Many people injured |
| companies find it cheaper to settle amicably than | | | | at work fail to pursue claims for fear of losing their |
| spend money on delays and costs. | | | | job. However, most employers will not recommend |
| 2. Myth: Compensation claims are complex and time | | | | firing you because you asked for a claim to your |
| consuming. | | | | injury. |
| Fact: Personal injury claims only becomes complicated | | | | 7. Myth: You cannot obtain treatment while in the |
| in cases where liability is an issue. Compensation | | | | process of pursuing your claim. |
| claims are often settled within a maximum of 12 | | | | Fact: This is untrue. You can have all the means to be |
| months. Claims that are more complex are those that | | | | treated and rehabilitated. Most insurance companies |
| involve liability issues and disputes or those wherein a | | | | make prior arrangements to treat injured parties in |
| serious injury occurred. However, generally, with the | | | | key stages of the recovery. |
| help of a competent personal injury lawyer, delays | | | | 8. Myth: The law favors only big companies and large |
| and hassles are minimized. | | | | employers; you will lose your claim against them. |
| 3. Myth: Insurance companies will treat you fairly and | | | | Fact: This is untrue. The federal and state |
| you do not need a lawyer in the negotiation. | | | | governments have laws to guarantee the safety of |
| Fact: Most insurance companies will try to save costs | | | | individuals. Any violations against these laws will have |
| by negotiating for a lower claim. Without the | | | | a corresponding penalty, whether from an individual |
| assistance of a lawyer, you might end up getting | | | | or an entity. The law protects both the individual and |
| unfair compensation. | | | | the organization. |
| 4. Myth: Compensation claim is a fortune in easy | | | | In most cases, it would be best for you to get the |
| money. | | | | services of a lawyer in pursuing your personal injury |
| Fact: Contrary to the belief of many, you will get | | | | claim. The skills and experience of a knowledgeable |
| only as much compensation as the amount that will | | | | Los Angeles lawyer will improve your chances of |
| be negotiated on during settlement. More often, your | | | | attaining your goals. |