Hurt in some other way
Injuries come from many places, including assaults at businesses, amusement rides, boating, hotels, and daycare. The same basics apply: get care, keep records, and learn your deadline.
What to do first
- Get safe and get medical care. Call 911 if it is serious. Get checked even if you feel okay.
- Photograph what happened. The place, anything that caused it, and your injuries.
- Report it to whoever is in charge. Ask for a written report or a report number.
- Write down who may be responsible. Names, companies, and contact information.
- Collect witness contacts. Name and phone number for anyone who saw it.
- Do not admit fault. Stick to the facts. Do not apologize or guess what happened.
- See a doctor within 24 hours. Symptoms can show up days later. Keep every visit record.
What to do and save
- Photos of the scene, the cause, and your injuries.
- Names and numbers for anyone who saw it.
- Reports from police, security staff, or the business, with report numbers.
- All medical records, bills, and notes on missed work.
- A short written timeline, made while it is fresh.
Common mistakes
- Guessing at fault in a statement before you know what happened.
- Waiting to get checked by a doctor.
- Signing paperwork from a business or insurer without reading it.
- Assuming you have no claim because the situation is unusual.
Who may be responsible
Whoever had a duty to keep the place or activity reasonably safe, such as a property owner, an event operator, or an employer. If you are not sure, write down everything you know.
Your filing deadline
Every state sets a time limit to file an injury lawsuit. Most are between one and six years, and some situations are shorter. Filing deadlines vary by state and by type of claim.
See the time limit for your state
When it is worth talking to a lawyer
It is worth a call if you were seriously hurt, if fault is disputed, if an insurer denies or delays your claim, if you expect a long recovery, or if you have been offered an amount that does not cover your costs. Most injury lawyers offer a free first consultation.
Questions people ask
Do I need a lawyer?
No law says you must have one. Many small claims are settled without a lawyer. It is worth talking to one if you were seriously hurt, fault is disputed, the insurer denies or delays the claim, you have a long recovery, or you are offered an amount that does not cover your costs. Most injury lawyers offer a free first consultation.
What if I was partly at fault?
Rules differ by state. In many states your compensation is reduced by your share of the blame. In a few, being even slightly at fault can bar a claim. Do not assume you have no claim. Ask a lawyer about your state.
Should I see a doctor if I feel fine?
Yes, soon. Some injuries show up hours or days later. A visit also creates a medical record that links your symptoms to the event. Follow the treatment plan and go to your appointments. Gaps in care are used to argue an injury was not serious.
How do I pay medical bills while my claim is open?
Use your health insurance if you have it. Some auto policies include medical payments or personal injury protection coverage, which pays regardless of fault. Providers or insurers may later ask to be repaid from a settlement, which is called a lien. Keep every bill and explanation of benefits.
General information, not legal advice. Rules differ by state and situation. Kindred is not a law firm.