Suing A Close Friend Due To Injuries? Don't Ruin Your Case With These Improper Actions
Most people count on close friends when bad things happen. However, when a close friend is the one at fault for an event that's left you with cuts, broken bones, or more serious injuries, it's hard to know what your next steps are. In fact, because someone you trusted is responsible for injuries you're dealing with, you're probably more likely to commit the following misdeeds even after you've decided to sue.
Talking to Them
Once retaining a lawyer about personal injury issues, you enter an adversarial relationship with your close friend. They will be unhappy to be notified about your suit and angry that they must engage in their own defense. However, for the sake of the close, past relationship, you may have days when you're willing to talk it out or ask again that they compensate you for the incident.
The desirable may be admirable, but the action can cause a string of terrible outcomes. Arguments or physical altercations may happen which aggravate not only both of your cases; these conflicts can permanently destroy the close friendship you once had. Instead, use lawyers for all interactions. The conclusion of the suit will begin a passage of time that may ultimately allow for some repair of the relationship.
Involving Other Friends
In the past, your close friend may have been your strongest supporter. Without them, you may be confiding in or venting to other mutual friends. This is incredibly difficult for those people, who often must take one side over the other. Even worse, your words could inadvertently reach the close friend who's the defendant in your lawsuit. Your close friend could use any information gleaned from those people you're venting to. Therefore, narrow your circle of confidantes, so you're sure whatever you share is private.
Avoiding Doctors
Your primary goal with the suit could be seeking money from your friend for bills that are arriving in your mail because of what happened. You might not view your bruises or cuts to be worth repeated doctor visits. However, when you avoid medical care, you could support your friend's probable narrative that you're overreacting and that any wounds weren't serious. A physician's opinion can support your case, and their notes will show that you were dealing with real, ongoing pain and other issues after the event.
Being in a conflict with a close friend who refuses to admit responsibility can make you hurt and angry. Just be sure bad decisions aren't made because of that. Run all your ideas past a personal injury lawyer so your actions can always align with the outcome you'd prefer.
