compensation for personal injuries doesn't often come without a fight from the insurance companies. It's no secret that insurance companies are more interested in adding money to their coffers than paying it out to victims, which is why it's important to know upfront whether or not your injuries qualify for compensation.

Is fighting for my personal injury worth it? The compensation process can be a long, complicated, and expensive one. And if you're like most people, you don't have money or time to waste on a lost cause. On the other hand, getting the compensation you are owed shouldn't be automatically shrugged off as too hard or time-consuming. Medical bills, lost income, and a shattered quality of life are all valid reasons to fight for what you are entitled to. So, if you're wondering does your personal injury qualify for compensation, here are few ways to find out:

Have I suffered from a personal injury? Personal injury can be an injury to the mind, body, or emotions of another being due to negligence. Negligence is defined as acting in a way that is reckless or careless. Not all claims are negligence based such as workers compensation and motor vehicle accidents and some States operate a 'no fault scheme' meaning you can make a claim regardless of who is at fault. If you have an accident at work, your employer has a responsibility to take appropriate steps to prevent an injury from occurring. The laws in each State and Territory are very different so it's important to seek specialist injury advice from a Personal Injury Lawyer to find out if you are in a good position to make a personal injury claim for compensation.

What are personal injuries?

Personal injuries can widely vary in nature but often include:

* Slips and falls * Whiplash * Back pain * Animal attacks * Repetitive strain * Medical malpractice * Occupational diseases

I've been injured, what do I do now? After you've suffered a personal injury you should:

Notify the proper authorities Inform the appropriate personnel and authorities regarding your injuries as soon as it happens. Police, health care professionals, insurance companies, employers, and business owners will often be your first points of contact when reporting your injuries.

Gather the facts Immediately after suffering a personal injury, it's important that you gather as much information as possible regarding your injuries. Get copies of police reports, medical records, witness statements, the other party's contact information for your records and to provide to supply to your lawyer.

Get medical attention Getting the medical help you need is vital to your health and recovery and will also be critical in proving the injuries that you have suffered from as a result of your accident. Keeping a copy of all medical bills and receipts is also strongly advised.

Seek legal assistance No one is more qualified to inform you as to whether or not you are owed compensation than a lawyer. Seek legal help in order to have your case properly reviewed. For free advice from a Personal Injury Lawyer contact Aussie Law Consultants on 1300 13 67 26 (24 hr advice line) or visit: www.aussielaw.com.au and complete the free case review form.

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