When you’re injured in an accident, understanding what steps to take next can be confusing. Should you hire an attorney? (Answer: Yes. You are almost always better off doing so.) How long will it take to heal? What will that process look like? You may also wonder why so many other people are involved in your case — yet each one may be critical in the court awarding you the compensation you deserve. WHO MATTERS IN A PERSONAL INJURY CASE? Understanding Who and Why They Are There
The Meow at 10,000 Feet High on the slopes of Bristen, a mountain in the Glarus Alps in central Switzerland, a pair of skiers discovered something unexpected. At 4:30 a.m., the skiers climbed toward the summit of Bristen when they realized they weren’t alone. They were being followed by a cat — not a lynx or a wildcat, but a little mewling house cat. How does a house cat end up on the slopes of a snow-covered, 10,000-foot mountain? This was an answer the skiers wouldn’t get. They weren’t even sure what to do with a cat in general. It’s likely that it simply wandered away from one of the nearby towns or villages near the base of the mountain, but even for a human, that’s a major undertaking. Lost, the cat followed the only sign of civilization it could find: the skiers, Cyril and Erik Rohrer. "She started to shiver, and her paws began to bleed from the hard snow,” Cyril noted. “We picked her up and carried her when she was too exhausted to walk uphill anymore. We were definitely confused. I felt really sorry for the cat. She was really exhausted on the ridge underneath the summit." The cat stayed with them for some time before they met up with another group of hikers who were headed down the mountain. The cat joined them for what would hopefully be a journey back home. And it was! Remarkably, the cat’s owners were found. They revealed that their cat had vanished four days earlier and apparently followed yet another group of hikers up Bristen. "Animals do weird things. And they are way tougher than humans. They'll never give up. Even though they are hurting really, really bad," Cyril said of his feline hiking companion. Hopefully, that will be the little feline’s last trip up for some time!
The Professionals: Adjusters and Emergency Services
You may seek help from first responders, EMTs, and police officers on the scene. They will have vital reports that should outline the particulars of the event, and in some cases, they can gather witness information and statements and take photos. At the hospital, your medical team will also be critical. They will create reports and outline a prognosis of current and future needs. The other professionals you may work with are the insurance adjusters. They examine what happened and determine the validity and value of your claim. It’s important to remember that insurance adjusters work for insurance companies — not you. Don’t speak with an adjuster until you have sought guidance from an attorney.
The Legal Group: Attorneys, Judges, and Mediators
Another subset of professionals will be part of your personal injury claim, but these experts work entirely in the legal field. Your attorney is the biggest player in your personal injury case. They are your wisest advocate — the person who will provide you with the most support and guidance. You may also have to interact with the other party’s attorney, but seek counsel from your lawyer on how to approach this. Judges and mediators are often tasked with setting guidelines for case hearings and determining outcomes. Your attorney can also offer you guidance on how to speak and act with these professionals.
The Regular Joes: Witnesses and Juries
Perhaps the most diverse group involved in your personal injury case consists of witnesses and juries. They can be unpredictable yet vital to the outcome of your case. Witnesses can provide key details of the events that led up to your injury. Meanwhile, a jury could be tasked with deciding the outcome of a case. Once again, your attorney can coach you through these interactions. When it comes to getting compensated for your injuries, you need an attorney who isn’t afraid to bite. If you need assistance after an injury, give us a call today to learn more.
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