Have you been injured? Not sure if you can bring a claim? Here’s what you need to know
In the ACT, Maliganis Edwards Johnson (MEJ) are the personal injury law specialists, and have been protecting the rights of injured people for more than 35 years. They are one of Canberra’s leading personal injury law firms and have an outstanding track record in achieving maximum compensation for their clients.
We chatted to MEJ partner James Treloar about what you need to know about lodging a personal injury claim, and the steps you need to follow to best protect your interests:
Notify the relevant people
The first thing to do if you’re involved in an accident is to remove yourself from danger and prevent any further harm to both you and those around you. Once everyone is safe, the next important step to take is to notify the relevant authorities.
“It may not seem like a priority at the time, but it’s important to create an official record of the incident,” says James.
“It may be with the police if you’re in a motor vehicle accident, your employer if you’re at work, or building management if it’s a public place. Try and do it as soon as you can, ideally within 24 hours. Photographs can also really help. It is important to have an accurate and timely record of the incident and the persons involved.”
Seek medical treatment
Depending on your circumstances, make sure you seek medical attention if required. Think about seeing your GP or allied health professional soon after the incident to discuss your injury and the best treatment options available to you.
“One of the main aims of the claims process is to ensure clients receive the treatment they need in a timely manner. The medical evidence shows that appropriate early treatment leads to better long-term outcomes overall. So the sooner they see a professional and seek specialist medical advice, the better,” says James.
If symptoms persist, see your lawyer
If you believe your injury was caused by someone’s negligence and want to know if you can claim compensation, the next step is to reach out to a lawyer. Choosing the right lawyer can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case.
MEJ offers free initial consultations, at no obligation to you, so you can enquire about your situation and discuss with one of their experienced solicitors whether you might have a claim without outlying any costs.
MEJ’s slogan is, ‘don’t delay, call MEJ’, and there’s a good reason for this. Strict time limits apply around when you can begin a claim, so it’s best to act promptly.
Your solicitor will walk you through the process
From here, you’ll be in the capable hands of your solicitor. As one of Canberra’s largest personal injury law firms, you’ll have the confidence to know your claim will be handled by MEJ with experience and empathy. The specialist team at MEJ will gather the relevant information and documents, step you through the process, answer your questions, and work alongside you to maximise your entitlements and ensure you receive proper compensation.
“We’ll talk you through your rights, and tell you what you’re entitled to that the insurance companies often won’t,” says James.
“At MEJ we’re here to help, and we offer more: more experience, more understanding.”
Looking for a personal injury lawyer?
Contact Maliganis Edwards Johnson for a free consultation on 02 6257 2999 or visit mej.com.au.