How to Identify and Cope with Personal Injuries in Sequim

Life can be wildly unpredictable and full of surprises. Living in Sequim, one of Washington’s best small towns, hopefully means that most of the surprises in our lives spring from pleasant sources–such as spotting a rare bird in the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge or running into an old friend while shopping downtown.

Unfortunately, there are times in life when many of us will have to face a less-than-pleasant surprise, such as an unexpected injury. Personal injuries are real obstacles. They force us to rethink our everyday lives, to make new plans, and to navigate the murky waters of medical bills and insurance claims. If your injury was preventable or caused by someone else’s negligence or irresponsible actions, dealing with the aftermath can be even more frustrating and convoluted. Luckily, this is where McMenamin & McMenamin, PS steps in.

What is a Personal Injury Claim? 

The first step in understanding personal injury claims is to understand what types of injuries may fall into this category.

The keyword in “personal injury claim” is personal. In this case, “personal” refers to your person–that is, your body, mind, and emotions. A personal injury, therefore, is one that causes harm to your physical, mental, or emotional health. A personal injury does not, however, include property damage.

There are many different types of incidents that can result in personal injury, including:

• Car accidents
• Workplace accidents or hazardous working conditions
• Tripping or falling
• Dog bites

Steps to Take After Your Personal Injury 

If you feel that you have been injured due to another person’s negligence or carelessness, contact McMenamin and McMenamin, PS’s Sequim office today. Our attorneys will help you figure out the best steps for your individual case.

A good first step to take after your injury is to record the accident in writing. Don’t rely on your memory. It’s best to have a written account of the accident for reference. It is also a good idea to identify any witnesses to the accident who can corroborate your claim, and try to document or protect any other evidence of the accident.

You should also make sure you obtain medical treatment for your injury as soon as possible. Your doctor will be able to assess the extent of the injury and document it in your medical records. These records will prove invaluable as our attorneys begin to work on your case. If you do not seek medical treatment promptly after the injury, a judge or jury may decide that your injury must not have been that serious after all or may not have been caused by the accident. This is particularly unfortunate if you suffered an injury that may not be immediately apparent to yourself or others, but can cause serious problems later. As such, you should always get checked by a doctor, even if you suspect your injuries may be minor.

Next, you will need to notify any potential defendants in your personal injury case. These are the person or persons responsible for the accident. If you’re unsure who is responsible, our attorneys can help you. For example, if you were in a car accident in which the other driver was on company business, you will likely need to notify both the driver and the driver’s company.  Notification letters should be mailed to all potentially responsible parties within the first few weeks after the accident. The attorneys at McMenamin and McMenamin, PS will determine what information should be included in these letters.

Continue to take notes throughout the claim process; jot down all relevant information, such as any pain, discomfort, or anxiety you experience, any activities you are unable to perform due to the accident, and any other losses or expenses you incur.

What to Expect with Your Personal Injury Claim 

After you call McMenamin and McMenamin, PS, our attorneys will go to work on your personal injury claim right away. We will become your contact for the insurance companies, so you don’t have to try to maneuver through the insurance adjusters’ processes yourself.

After talking to you to learn as much of your story as possible, we will collect all of your medical records and bills. We will then review the evidence and help you decide whether to attempt a settlement out of court or to file a personal injury lawsuit.

No one should have to suffer personal injuries due to another person’s carelessness. Medical expenses, lost wages, emotional trauma, even a loss of enjoyment of life can result from a personal injury case, but you don’t have to face these difficulties alone. The attorneys and staff at McMenamin and McMenamin, PS are dedicated to making sure that you obtain the support, care, and peace of mind you need to move forward with your life. If you have suffered personal injury, call our Sequim office today. The first step to recovery is to understand your options and to find the empowerment you need after a traumatic and distressing experience. You deserve to regain control of your finances and your life; so don’t hesitate to speak with us about your questions and concerns.