Knowing what to do after a medical-related injury can be hard. You’re worse off than when you sought treatment, and you’re out a lot more money, but getting the help you need may count on acting fast.
New York paid out more money per capita for medical malpractice than any other state in the country, according to US Census Bureau data. But that money won’t stick around forever if you’re waiting to make your own claim. Mounting a suit is better done sooner than later.
Timely progress
Delaying the process or trying to avoid the consequences may only serve to hurt you more. You’ll likely be best served by building your case right away:
- Limits: The clock generally starts ticking from the time of the incident. Some mitigating circumstances can extend your window, but those exceptions may be hard to come by. Getting your suit together as soon as possible can prevent negligent health care providers from dragging their feet and forcing you to miss your timeframe.
- Evidence: The connections that bind negligence to the incident fade with every passing day. The offenders can repair unsafe equipment and deal with hazardous conditions, and ties to infections and injuries can become hazy. Make sure you can gather all the proof you need before you can never get it back.
- Recollection: Memories fade quickly. Any testimonies your witnesses give at the time of the accident may not hold up over time, and cross-examination may render supporting claims invalid as details disappear.
Delaying a lawsuit could put your share of the recovery in jeopardy, as time begins to erode your case. Make sure you strike while the iron is hot to get the compensation you deserve.