Wittenberg,
Dougherty & Maglione, Ltd.
Attorneys at Law
100 W. Monroe Street - Suite 602
Chicago, Illinois 60603-1920
Phone: 312-782-1808
Fax: 312-782-1801
E-mail: info@wdmltd.com
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If you or someone you know is involved in an accident or personal injury, you should be aware that the early stage of any personal injury claim or accident is extremely critical. It is important that you obtain as much information as you can involving those responsible for the accident or injury. File and get a copy of the police report if the case is an automobile accident. Get the names and addresses of all witnesses to the accident. Get insurance information from the person responsible for the injury. You should take pictures of the area where the injury occurred if it is a slip and fall. You should not give any statements - written or oral - to any person or insurance company representative who works on behalf of the person or entity that is responsible for your injury. Often times they are trying to get you to say or do something that they can later use against you in your case. The above information is general in nature and you should immediately contact
an attorney for advice on your particular personal injury matter. The following instructions are given to personal injury clients of Wittenberg, Dougherty & Maglione, Ltd. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding these instructions at 312-782-1808 or info@wdmltd.com. Instructions to Personal Injury Clients 1. DO NOT TALK TO ANYONE about your accident except our office. Do not talk to your own insurance company or anyone else without first notifying our office so we can have these statements taken with one of our lawyers present. 2. YOUR DOCTOR -You should return to each of your doctors as often as necessary. Always tell them about all your complaints. Do not minimize your ailments. A doctor must know these things in order to treat you properly. If you plan to see any additional doctors, let us know before you see them. Tell us the name, address, and phone number of any doctor you see. 3. RECORDS - Please keep accurate and detailed records of the following: A. Lost time and wages; B. Hospital, doctor, drug, and other medical bills; C. Other losses directly resulting from your injuries; D. Your complaints and progress. All your bills should be paid by check, credit or debit card and you should keep receipts. These records will be helpful years later when the defense asks you to recall your pain, difficulties, and expenses. 4. REPAIRS - DO NOT have your automobile or anything that was involved in your accident repaired or discarded until we have had time to examine it, photograph it, have it examined by an expert, or stored if necessary in order to preserve the evidence for your case. If your case involves a product or item not in your control, please try to see that it is not repaired or disposed of until we have photographed it and had it examined by an expert, if necessary. 5. OFFENSES, FINES OR DISCIPLINARY ACTION - DO NOT appear or give statements before a Court or any other type of disciplinary board or other proceeding without first notifying this office so we can represent you at such a hearing, if necessary. Things you say could be held against you at a later date. 6. WITNESSES - Immediately furnish us with the correct names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any witnesses you know about. If someone will be leaving the area permanently, please call us so we can take their deposition if necessary. 7. EVIDENCE - Give your lawyer any digital pictures or photographs you take including the negatives and/or digital files. If you are hospitalized and receive any type of treatment like traction or physical therapy, please notify our office so we can photograph you if necessary. If your injury requires a cast, a brace, traction, or other appliance, save it for evidence in the event of a trial. Please talk to us about any evidence that you have or know about that may help us to prove your injury case. Save any physical evidence and discuss it with your lawyer. 8. BE AWARE. The Defendant's insurance company or your own insurance company may have you videotaped or photographed in an attempt to show that your injuries are not permanent or severe. BE CAREFUL IN YOUR OUTDOOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES. 9. HOSPITAL AND DOCTORS BILLS - Submit all bills to any available insurance you have, including group medical or automobile coverage. Doctors and hospitals are more cooperative when their bills are paid. You should not expect them to wait until your case is tried or settled to receive payment. You should pay any balance as soon as possible.
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Copyright © 2001- 2008 Wittenberg, Dougherty & Maglione, Ltd.
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