In This Article
Mike’s Quick Answer
You can help your personal injury case by being accurate, responsive, medically responsible, and reachable at every stage. Early on, report the incident, identify disappearing evidence, and understand which insurer handles which benefit. During the claim, follow reasonable medical advice, describe changes honestly, and tell your lawyer about prior injuries, new incidents, work changes, moves, or insurance letters. In litigation, answer discovery fully, prepare for testimony, attend required events, and avoid public commentary. At settlement, review the release, liens, costs, and net amount before deciding. None of this requires becoming your own lawyer.
At the Beginning, Protect Time and Accuracy
Write down the basic sequence while it is fresh, identify witnesses and cameras, keep claim and report numbers, and send urgent notices. Do not guess about a fact merely to complete a form quickly.
Tell your lawyer about public entities, work activity, app use, household vehicles, prior claims, and other insurance. Those facts can trigger deadlines or coverage paths that are not obvious.
During Treatment, Be a Patient First
Attend care that you and your providers believe is appropriate, ask questions, follow reasonable restrictions, and report what helps or worsens symptoms. Do not exaggerate and do not minimize because you want to appear strong.
If care stops because of improvement, cost, denial, work, childcare, transportation, or another reason, tell the lawyer. An honest explanation is better than silence.
During Litigation, Respond and Prepare
Interrogatories, document requests, depositions, defense examinations, and court deadlines require participation. Read questions, ask when something is unclear, and give complete truthful information instead of trying to predict the best answer.
Keep contact information current and reserve dates promptly. A client who disappears can cause missed deadlines that no legal argument can easily repair.
At Resolution, Understand the Net Decision
Ask what the offer includes, what claims and parties the release covers, what fees and costs apply, which liens or balances remain, and whether future rights are affected. Gross settlement is not the same as the client’s net recovery.
I give a recommendation and explain risk, but the client decides whether to settle. Preparation throughout the case makes that final choice informed rather than pressured.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I call my lawyer after every medical visit?
Usually no. Report meaningful changes such as a new diagnosis, procedure, work status, denial, discharge, or new accident, and follow the firm’s update process.
What is the most important thing to disclose?
Anything that could affect fault, injury, prior condition, credibility, coverage, deadlines, work loss, or public statements. Let your lawyer decide legal importance.
Can I help the case move faster?
Prompt responses, complete information, attendance, and current contact details reduce avoidable delay, although court and opposing-party schedules remain outside your control.
Sources and Further Reading
About Michael B. Fusco
I am Michael B. Fusco, a New Jersey personal injury lawyer who is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Civil Trial Attorney. For more than 15 years, I have represented injured people throughout New Jersey and have recovered more than $75 million in gross settlements and verdicts. I started Fusco Law because clients deserve direct answers, careful preparation, and a lawyer who remains personally involved. I can help guide clients through the complexities of a New Jersey personal injury case from the first investigation through settlement or trial. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
A Good Client-Lawyer Team Has Clear Assignments
You handle truthful information, appropriate care, and participation. I handle strategy, deadlines, proof, insurers, and court. Call 732-INJURED or contact Fusco Law to start with a clear plan.
Important Disclaimer
This article provides general information only. It is not legal advice, and it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Contacting Fusco Law does not create an attorney-client relationship or make a communication privileged unless and until the firm agrees in writing to represent you. I am a personal injury attorney, not a medical doctor, accountant, tax adviser, or financial adviser. Medical, tax, accounting, and financial questions should be directed to an appropriately licensed professional. Every matter depends on its own facts and the law that applies. If you have questions about a New Jersey personal injury claim, contact Fusco Law.