To have a personal injury action you must have suffered harm. The harm may be an injury to your person or personal property. It can also be the perception of harm, such as a threat (assault), which caused emotional injury. Your injury must be the result of an action or omission of another and must not have been caused by your own actions or negligence. If you feel you have suffered an injury at the hands of another, you may have a personal injury claim. It is important to discuss your possible claim with a personal injury attorney in your area. Different types of claims must be filed within a certain amount of time, or you cannot file your claim. This is called the statute of limitations; different jurisdictions and types of claims will have specific limitations that an attorney will have knowledge of and be able to communicate to you.

If you pursue your claim and meet with an attorney, there are certain documents and information that you should have to bring with you on your first meeting. The information will vary depending on your situation and your attorney may ask you to provide additional information then what is discussed here. In general, you should give your lawyer copies of any documents that may be related to your case. Documents may include, medical reports and bills, insurance information (policy and any communication you may have had with your insurance company or the other parties insurer) and any information you have about the incident. Information about the incident may include police reports, contact information of the other parties, insurer of the other parties, witness contact information and details about the situation when the occurrence took place. Any other information about the accident or event would be helpful for your attorney as well. This may include, photographs of your injuries or property damages and any other information you may have.