A lot of la raza thinks: "I'll heal up first and deal with the case later." We get it, but here's the problem: the law sets deadlines to file, and if you miss them you can lose your chance to get paid even if you're completely in the right. Here's a general look at why deadlines matter so much.
Every type of case has its own clock
There's no single deadline for everything. Generally, a car crash, a slip-and-fall at a store or a dog bite has one deadline, and a work injury has others. And inside each case there can be several steps, each with its own date. What a friend told you or what you read online may not apply to you. That's why it's best to have a lawyer look at your case and tell you how much time you have.
If the government is involved, be extra careful
If you were hit by a city bus or a county vehicle, or fell on a broken public sidewalk, in many cases the deadlines are much shorter, sometimes months instead of years. On top of that, there's often a special claim you have to file before anything else. If you think the government may be involved, don't wait: call us now.
At work: report it fast
If you got hurt on the job, it's generally a good idea to tell your boss as soon as possible, in writing if you can, and keep a copy. There are deadlines to report and others to open the formal case, and they can be short. If your injury built up over time, like back pain from lifting or problems in your wrists, the clock may work differently. Every case is different, so talk it over with a lawyer.
What you can do today
Even if you don't know your deadline yet, a few things keep you from losing time:
- Write down the exact date of the accident or when the pain started.
- Keep every paper: reports, receipts, letters from the insurance company, doctor's notes.
- Take photos of your injuries and the scene, if you still can.
- Write down names and phone numbers of witnesses or coworkers.
- Don't sign anything until a lawyer looks at it.
Don't wait until the last day
Even if you still have time, waiting almost never helps. Evidence gets lost, witnesses forget and security camera videos get erased. Plus, some cases have exceptions, like when the injured person is a minor, that only a lawyer can properly review. Hit us up as soon as you can and we'll tell you your deadline and what comes next.
Deadlines depend on each case and can be very short. Call us for a free consultation in Spanish and we'll tell you how much time you have. Papers or no papers.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different and deadlines can be short. To find out what applies to you, call us for a free consultation, en español, papers or no papers.
