How to Protect Your Liability Claims
How to protect your liability claims
Consumers use a number of products every day and never expect those products to cause them injury. When a product is defective and causes an accident that results in injury, you can file a claim against the manufacturer to recover any damages you incurred. Manufacturers, as well as their insurance companies and lawyers, will fight back against these claims to deny you the compensation you deserve. Taking certain steps will ensure that your claim, and your rights, are protected.
Preserve Evidence
Like all personal injury claims, product liability claims rely on evidence to prove that the manufacturer was negligent and therefore, liable for paying compensation. The most important piece of evidence to collect is the actual product, as well as any packaging, warranty information, or any other documents that relate to the product. This evidence will prove that it was the negligence of the manufacturer, and not anything else, such as user error, that resulted in your injuries.
Start a Recovery Journal
Your injuries may take a long time to recover from after a product liability accident. Over that time, your memories about your recovery may fade, as well as details about how your injuries have impacted your life. Take pictures of your injuries and keep a regular journal outlining how treatment has progressed, any activities you can no longer take part in, and how your overall quality of life has been affected. A journal will help prove the extent of your damages, including pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Seek Medical Treatment
The injuries resulting from faulty products are often severe. When the brakes in a car fail, for example, it can lead to a car accident that results in catastrophic damage. Seeking medical treatment for these injuries should always be your top priority after an accident. Being examined by a doctor will also provide important documentation, such as medical reports, that prove the extent of your injuries.
Do Not Post on Social Media
Emotional support is essential when you are recovering from severe injuries. Some are unable to get together with friends and family because of their injuries. You may want to share your story over social media. This is a mistake, however, that could greatly hurt your claim. Anything you post to social media can be accessed by the negligent party, and used against you.
For example, you may post an older picture of when you were happy and healthy to remind your loved ones of better times. The insurer could use that against you. They may claim that the picture clearly shows you are not suffering as much as you had claimed. Even if that is not the truth, it could hurt your claim.
Call us at 411 Claims
We work with numerous insurers and self-insured companies. Therefore, we understand that your needs are very specific. However, unlike the huge faceless Adjusting Corporations, we can truly tailor our services to suit your needs. Our team is prepared to handle your 3rd Party Liability Claims from the time it is reported through resolution.
