Any number of conditions can be dangerous and lead to slip-and-fall accidents. For example, uneven or slippery flooring in grocery stores, workplaces, or homes can cause these accidents, and a property owner could be liable for your slip-and-fall. According to the CDC, most falls do not cause major injuries, but 1 out of 5 can be serious. While the initial pain may disappear, serious or permanent injury can occur—including the risk of long-term, chronic pain. Even if you were partially at fault, another party may have negligently contributed to your injury, entitling you to compensation.
Slip-and-fall accidents often entitle victims to compensation for their economic and non-economic damages. However, while you may be entitled to compensation, in order to receive any monetary damages for your injury, you must take steps to protect your rights.
At Grant & Hoffman Law Firm, we know how to protect your rights after an accident and will work tirelessly to obtain the largest possible settlement or award in your case. There are certain steps that you can take after a slip and fall accident that will also help maximize the chances of you getting the compensation you deserve. Some of the most important are discussed in detail below. For more information or to schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney in Fort Collins, call our office today.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention
The first step for anyone who has been injured in a slip-and-fall accident is to seek any necessary medical attention. It is very important for you to document the specifics of your injury and how it has affected your life and your physical and mental wellness. This will help an attorney in seeking compensation on your behalf. Without official documentation of the nature and severity of your injury and your treatment, it can be very difficult to prove you were injured or the severity of your injury. This leads to difficulty obtaining the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Step 2: Contact an Attorney
Often, insurance companies or at-fault parties will try to settle with you very quickly after an accident hoping that you have not had a chance to talk to a lawyer. These initial offers may seem enticing, particularly if you are struggling to pay medical bills. However, remember that the insurance company is not on your side. In fact, it will gladly deny your claim outright if it can. If it cannot, it will do everything possible to settle your case for as little as possible. You should speak with an attorney before accepting any offer from an insurance company or other responsible party.
An initial settlement offer is no substitute for an accurate assessment by a qualified personal injury attorney of what your case is worth and the monetary damages to which you may be entitled to your slip-and-fall. Rather than accept any initial settlement offer, you need a lawyer to find out how much your case may be worth. Once you accept a settlement offer, it is very difficult to obtain additional compensation. As a result, if you accept an offer that does not adequately cover your losses or fails to account for future losses, you will have little recourse to obtain further damages.
It’s important to remember that insurance companies handle slip and fall claims every day, putting you at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to negotiating a settlement agreement and protecting your rights. Fortunately, you can even the playing field by retaining an experienced lawyer to represent you. An attorney can evaluate your claim, handle your paperwork, and attempt to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company on your behalf. Additionally, a lawyer may file a lawsuit in the event that the insurance company or the responsible party refuses to make a fair settlement offer.
Step 3: Document Your Recovery & Follow Your Treatment Plan
In addition to having medical documentation of your injury, notes on all injuries and any issues that may be the result of your slip-and-fall will be helpful to an attorney in pursuing your case for compensation. Pictures of any injuries attributable to the slip-and-fall, including notes describing your recovery, can help a qualified personal injury attorney establish damages.
You should keep a journal that details the way in which your injuries are affecting you. Make note of things like the pain you experience, things you cannot do as a result of your injuries, problems you have sleeping, and any feelings of depression or anxiety you experience. The more documentation you have of your recovery, the better the chances that you will obtain the full and fair value of your slip and fall claim.
In addition, you need to make sure to follow any necessary treatment plan provided by your healthcare professional. Failing to follow a necessary treatment plan could provide the insurance company an opportunity to argue that your injuries are not as serious as you are claiming or that you failed to take steps to mitigate your damages. Both could result in a lower settlement offer or an outright denial of your slip and fall claim.
Call Us Today to Speak with a Fort Collins Slip and Fall Attorney
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident that occurred on someone else’s property, you should speak to an attorney as soon as you can. The lawyers at Grant & Hoffman Law Firm have been protecting the rights of the injured since 1976 and are prepared to protect your rights. We offer completely free, no-obligation case evaluations and will never collect legal fees on a personal injury matter unless we win your case.
To schedule your free case evaluation with an attorney, call our office today at (970) 549-3665 or send us an email through our online contact form.