North Carolina Workers' Compensation News
As 2019 comes to a close we all tend to take stock, making New Year’s Resolutions. What was good 
this year? What could be better next year? What do I need out of my life that is causing problems?
A common thread is an overwhelming desire to be less stressed and overwhelmed. Starting 2020 with fewer hassles and worries makes sense.
If you’ve been trying to deal with an insurance adjuster in 2019, one of your New Year’s Resolutions may include letting go and asking an accident lawyer for help – Kevin Jones, Personal Injury Attorney
Settling a car accident claim, even in the best of circumstances, tends to be a time-stealer. That can be related to the complexity of personal injury matters and the need for documentation of both property damage and personal injuries.
Steps in making a claim of injuries:
The first thing to do after an accident is to immediately seek medical care. We encourage people NOT to wait. The legal aspects of a car accident are secondary to your health and well-being.
It’s frankly not unusual for people to think to themselves, “I just don’t have time to go to the doctor or the emergency room. I’ll probably be OK.”
We get it. We’re all busy. No one plans to be involved in a car accident.
Getting hurt doesn’t really fit into anyone’s schedule. The reality is that if you’ve been injured in an accident prompt treatment may result in a more speedy recovery.
Acting with due haste can also have legal consequences, as insurance adjusters may question the timing and severity of the injury if a significant amount of time passes between the time of the accident and seeking treatment – Kevin Jones
Documentation of claims for personal injuries involves intake statements of medical personnel including EMT (emergency medical technicians), paramedics, trauma centers, the Emergency Room, and other first-responders.
Part of what accident lawyers do includes gathering medical documentation and records. That is often a time-consuming, and frustrating process.
Am I required to sign a Release of Medical Information?
No. Indeed, we actively encourage people who are hurt in accidents not to sign anything. Focus on getting healthy.
While insurance companies would prefer having access to your entire medical history, that is neither required nor appropriate.
Unfettered access to personal medical records should never be granted. Providing relevant medical documentation is something that deserves careful attention to detail.
Do not sign ANY form of release.
Releases are not required to “make a claim.” Releases are not required to preserve legal rights under the NC accident laws.
Remember this: Insurance companies and their adjusters are looking out for their interests, not yours.
Before executing (signing) any form of release or authorization for medical records, we recommend you consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.
What do lawyers charge for a consultation? Is it really free?
Legal consultations at our law office are entirely free. We do not charge hourly rates.
You are committed to nothing. You will not be pressured to retain our legal services.
Our goal is to provide helpful information and to guide you through what has become an increasingly complex legal system.
If we believe our law firm can help we’ll let you know that.
We also protect confidences. That’s what is meant by a confidential consultation. Everything you tell us in consultation and later legal representation, if you choose to retain the firm for legal help, is strictly confidential.
In matters that involve a “personal injury claim” including car accidents, bike wrecks, trucking accidents, and on-the-job injuries (Worker’s Comp) we work on a contingency.
Legal fees are only early upon successful recovery and/or settlement. As such, we charge nothing for phone calls and legal consultations.
If we are unable to obtain a settlement, verdict, or judgment after trial (assuming filing a lawsuit and/or formal Workers’ Compensation Claim is necessary), we charge nothing for legal fees.
In the event we are able to obtain a settlement, judgment, or verdict, legal fees are set as a percentage of the recovery.
Either way, it costs nothing to call our law firm, ask questions, and see what we can do to help.
We hope one of your New Year’s Resolutions includes calling the Dodge Jones Injury Law Firm for your legal issues.
You may reach Kevin Jones directly at: Kevin@DodgeJones.com