A slip-and-fall accident can be harrowing, leaving you with significant medical expenses and loss of income from missed work. Regardless of the severity of your injuries, hiring a lawyer is always a good idea.
They will evaluate your losses and determine what compensation you are entitled to receive. They will also help you prove liability, demonstrating that the property owner was negligent and that their hazardous condition caused your injuries.
Medical Treatment
Immediately seeking medical attention after your slip and fall accident is vital, not just to ensure that you are treated for your injuries but also to establish an official record of your injury. Remember, it’s advisable to hire a lawyer after a slip and fall accident.
Following your doctor’s treatment plan and attending all appointments is essential. Failing to do so could hurt your claim by allowing the insurance company to argue that you are not as injured as you claim.
A medical examination will also reveal any hidden injuries that are a result of your accident, such as fractures or nerve damage. These injuries may become serious if not properly diagnosed and treated, impacting your quality of life.
Once you have received treatment, file an accident report with the business or property owner and request a copy for your records.
Documentation
While getting medical attention for your injuries is critical, you must also document the accident. It is essential to write down everything you remember, including weather conditions that day, the condition of the floor, and any injuries that occurred.
Retail stores, restaurants, and other businesses often have security cameras that could help prove your case. It is essential to request that management preserve this footage before they throw it away or record it.
A lawyer can collect and organize all the evidence you need to build your compensation claim. They will work to calculate not only your current losses but also your future losses (including ongoing medical treatment and therapy, lost income, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering). They will also assess the monetary value of your injury to determine how much you deserve in compensation. They may even use expert witnesses to help support your case.
Negotiating with the Insurance Company
Having an attorney as your advocate is crucial for protecting your rights and getting the compensation you deserve. A personal injury lawyer can gather and preserve evidence before it disappears, investigate your accident, determine fault, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
A lawyer can also help you avoid saying anything misconstrued as an admission of guilt or liability, even in a recorded statement. Limiting communication with homeowners, witnesses, property managers, or business owners is essential until you’ve spoken to your attorney.
A lawyer can also help you calculate the value of your claim and prepare a settlement demand packet with documentation like medical bills, receipts, a statement from your doctor, and proof of economic losses like lost wages. This document sets the stage for negotiations with the insurance company.
Filing a Lawsuit
It is essential to preserve evidence after a slip and fall accident. While this can be challenging as you are recovering from your injuries, it is critical to the success of your case. If you can, take pictures of the scene, request that any video surveillance footage be saved, and speak with witnesses.
One of the most important aspects of a slip-and-fall case is determining liability. Your lawyer will investigate the circumstances of your accident and determine if a property owner or occupant was negligent in maintaining the premises.
A reputable attorney can help you obtain compensation for your injuries and other damages. They will work to gather and organize evidence, fight against the insurance company’s defenses, and provide legal expertise.
While it is possible to file a slip-and-fall lawsuit without a lawyer, your chances of success are significantly lessened. An experienced attorney can untangle the complexities of a slip-and-fall case, increase your chance of receiving the maximum settlement amount, and protect your rights.
