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According to statistics from the National Floor Safety Institute, over one million individuals visit the emergency room for injuries sustained in slip and fall accidents. Unfortunately, a slip-and-fall accident can happen in an instant and leave you with minor or severe injuries. Also, you may have to deal with expensive medical expenses, lost wages or reduced productivity, and other financial consequences.
Thankfully, victims of slip and fall accidents may be eligible to recover damages from the negligent property owner by filing an injury claim or lawsuit. However, what you do – or fail to do – can significantly affect the amount of financial compensation you can recover. If you have suffered a slip and fall injury, it is crucial to avoid any mistake that could negatively impact your injury claim, long-term health, and finances. Here are some common mistakes to avoid after a slip and fall injury.
Failing to Report the Incident
One of the biggest mistakes you can make after a slip and fall accident is failing to report the dangerous condition that caused your fall. After the incident, ensure that you inform the property owner or manager right away. You can ask for an incident report to fill out. If they refuse, write down the specifics of the incident, such as the date, time, location, and condition that led to the fall. Also, you can take photos of the accident scene, obtain eyewitness statements, and their contact information.
Neglecting Medical Treatments
Furthermore, many people downplay injuries after a slip-and-fall accident and avoid getting prompt medical treatment. Conversely, even if you feel fine initially, some slip and fall injuries and symptoms may be hidden and take several days or weeks to manifest. In some cases, serious injuries like head trauma, spinal injuries, or sprains can worsen over time if left untreated.
Moreover, delaying or neglecting medical treatments can complicate your recovery. Also, the insurance provider or property owner may dispute your claim if there are no medical documentation or reports. Hence, right after the fall, ensure that you visit the emergency room or urgent care center for a comprehensive checkup and treatment.
Failing to Document the Scene
Another common mistake after a slip and fall incident is failing to document the accident scene. The condition that caused the fall may probably change after the incident, but evidence of the hazard is crucial. Take photos and videos of the dangerous site if you are able to. Alternatively, you can ask someone to help take photos and document the accident scene. The scene documentation will be a vital piece of evidence when filing your claims and proving negligence.
Providing a Recorded Statement
Upon filing a slip and fall injury claim, the insurer or claims adjuster may call you and ask about your case details. Also, they may request that you give a recorded statement about the incident. Politely decline to provide an official statement until you have consulted with your attorney.
Unknown to you, the insurance adjuster can interpret your statements wrongly and take your words out of context. They may also use your statements against you during negotiations or in court. Likewise, they can ask contradictory questions to create inconsistencies in your responses. Hence, you should only provide basic medical and contact information. All communication must go through your attorney.
Not Following Medical Advice
However, failing to follow your doctor’s recommendations and prescribed treatment plans can adversely affect your injury case and long-term health. Noncompliance can give the impression that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claimed. The insurer can also argue that you weren’t really injured or your condition deteriorated due to not following medical advice. Therefore, ensure that you attend all therapy sessions and take your medications as directed. Also, keep detailed records of all your medical treatment and reports.
Not Keeping Records and Receipts of Your Expenses and Losses
Another mistake that can hurt your slip and fall injury claim is not keeping records and receipts of your expenses and losses. After a slip and fall injury, you may incur various costs and suffer various losses, such as medical bills, prescription drugs, physical therapy, and travel expenses.
Also, you may experience lost wages, emotional distress, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. These expenses and losses add up quickly and can affect your quality of life and financial stability. For this reason, you should keep accurate records and receipts of all your expenses and losses incurred following the slip and fall accident.
Not Hiring a Knowledgeable Personal Injury Attorney
Trying to handle a slip-and-fall claim yourself or without reliable legal representation is risky. Due to your limited or lack of knowledge, you may be unable to answer complex questions involving negligence, liability, and damages. Therefore, you should hire a highly-skilled personal injury attorney who specializes in slip and fall accident cases. Your attorney can help build a strong claim, estimate your case value, negotiate diligently with the insurers, or file a lawsuit if needed.
Accepting an Early Settlement Offer
Finally, the insurance carrier may offer a quick settlement or try to resolve your case quickly. However, the first settlement offer is usually absurd and rarely in your best interests. If you receive a settlement offer that is significantly lower than the exact value of your injury claim, you should never take it. Rather, you can apply for a risk-free settlement loan before your case concludes. Your attorney will have more time and leverage to help you recover a fair settlement or take additional legal action.
Final Thoughts
Seeking financial compensation after a slip and fall accident requires being proactive and strategic. Also, the next steps you take – or avoid taking – can affect the outcome of your claims. Hence, ensure that you avoid these common mistakes mentioned above and collaborate with a seasoned personal injury lawyer to protect your legal rights. Report your injuries promptly, seek medical help, document evidence, follow treatment plans, and avoid early settlements. This way, you can avoid pitfalls and achieve the best possible outcome in your slip and fall injury case.
Call Us Today to Apply for Affordable Lawsuit Loans
Do you need affordable lawsuit loans to recover financially after a slip-and-fall accident? Contact us at High Rise Financial today to schedule a simple consultation. We are a reliable provider of affordable, risk-free legal funding to slip-and-fall accident victims. Our dedicated representatives are available to discuss your possible settlement loan options and assist with your lawsuit funding application.