What To Do After You Hire an Attorney
If you
have hired Michael R. Panter & Associates, you can count on having
an attorney to help you through a difficult time.
It's very important that you let us do the "lawyering," but
there are several things you can do to help us present your case in the
strongest possible way.
First, don't talk to anyone about your case or how the accident happened. We hear too many stories about cases that have been hurt by "loose lips." We even know of clients who have been secretly videotaped. So be careful!
Second, be sure you get whatever medical treatment you need. To provide effective treatment, your doctors need to know the full details of your injuries. They also need to know how you got hurt.
Keep
accurate records
As your attorneys, we need to have all of your medical records
and bills. Please send us copies of any receipts, medical records,
etc. you receive and keep us informed about each place where you receive
treatment. If you have missed work, ask your employer to carefully document
all of the missed time (whether or not you got paid for it) and the reason
for your absence.
If you have any additional expenses for drugs, equipment rental or
travel to and from medical offices, we also need all of those receipts.
We need to know the status of all your medical bills. Are they being paid
by health insurance? An HMO? Are you paying a portion of these bills?
Are there any liens or agreements to pay anyone back for your medical
bills? Are you being sued? You need to keep us informed and up to date
about your medical expenses throughout your case
Keep
track of witnesses
Third,
if you know any witnesses to your accident, you should keep close track
of them. If a witness gets sick or is about to move, please notify
us immediately.
Start a diary; keep all physical evidence You are going to
have to describe what happened to you in detail--possibly years after
you feel better. It is important to keep a diary or notes of your injury
and how it is affecting your life on a day-to-day basis. Even "minor"
problems like the inability to brush your teeth or wash your hair become
important in showing how you were hurt. These notes will help us get you
the best possible settlement.
We need every piece of physical evidence that relates to your case.
Photos, notes, get well cards, casts, braces, crutches, etc. related to
your injury are extremely important. We also want any products that may
have caused the injury. We would encourage you to keep any pins or plates
that are surgically removed. Ask your doctor in advance if he can do this
for you. Please try to think of anything else which can help us show the
court and the opposing attorneys what your case is about.
Stay
in touch
Keep in close
communication with Michael R. Panter & Associates. If your situation
changes--if you move or if a family member becomes sick or dies--let us
know about it, preferably in writing. Don't be reluctant to call or make
an appointment to come in and discuss your case. Helping us "tell the
whole story" will help you get the best possible financial result.
______________________________________________________
Information and ideas about the legal process prepared by the firm of
Michael R. Panter & Associates, attorneys at law.
Michael R. Panter & Associates
30 N. LaSalle Street
Suite 1524
Chicago, IL 60602
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