Think of settling a liability claim like negotiating the sale of a house. You wouldn’t sell your most valuable asset without knowing its true worth and understanding the fine print. The same logic applies when you’re injured or have suffered a lo...
Read MoreImmediately, if it is safe to do so. The most critical evidence is the scene as it existed at the time of the incident. Photograph the exact hazard (spill, broken step, debris), any injuries you sustained, environmental conditions (weather, lighting), and any relevant signage. Continue documenting your injuries over time to show the healing process. If a product failed, take clear pictures of the product itself, any serial numbers, and how it failed. The sooner you act, the more accurate the evidence.
The best proof is official, verifiable documentation. This includes recent pay stubs, W-2 or 1099 tax forms, and direct deposit records showing your typical earnings. If you are self-employed, provide profit and loss statements, business bank records, and recent tax returns. A formal letter from your employer confirming your job title, pay rate, work schedule, and the exact dates you missed work is also extremely powerful. This combination creates a clear, undeniable paper trail of what you normally earn.
Defamation involves making a false statement that harms someone’s reputation. For a business, this most often occurs in two ways: an employee making a false, damaging statement about a customer (e.g., falsely accusing them of theft over a loudspeaker), or the business making a false statement about a competitor. Truth is a complete defense. To avoid claims, train staff to handle disputes privately, avoid public accusations, and ensure any public statements about others are accurate and verifiable.
Your lawyer’s expert opinion is crucial. Ask for a frank evaluation of the evidence, the other side’s arguments, and the jury’s potential perception. A high settlement offer on a weak case may be excellent. A low offer on a very strong case may be an insult. Understand the legal strategy—is this the best possible outcome now, or is there a clear path to a significantly better result by continuing?
