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Spanish A slip and fall accident can create serious challenges for you and your loved ones. Medical bills, lost income, and physical pain are just a few of the difficulties you may endure. If your injuries were caused by a property owner’s negligence, you should not have to face the consequences on your own.
Fortunately, you can take certain steps after a slip and fall to protect your health and legal rights. Follow these tips from a personal injury attorney to understand your legal options for a slip and fall accident and learn about the insurance claims process to collect compensation.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention
Your health is the most important consideration after a slip and fall accident. You should seek medical assistance as soon as possible after your slip and fall accident. A visit to the emergency room, urgent care, or your primary care physician ensures you receive medical treatment to safeguard your well-being.
Medical records from your diagnosis and treatment also serve as critical evidence during the slip and fall claim process. They connect the accident to your injuries. Waiting too long to receive medical care could raise doubts about the origins of your injuries.
Step 2: Document the Slip and Fall Accident Scene
If you can, take photos or videos of the slip and fall accident site. Document how the accident occurred, including the dangerous conditions, your injuries, and the cause. For instance, if you tripped over an object in the aisle, take a photo or draw a diagram of the object’s location.
Obtain contact information from witnesses who observed the accident. If your accident occurred in a retail store or other commercial facility, take the supervisor’s name and contact information, the number for the corporate office, and information about the company’s liability insurance carrier. You can also ask to receive a copy of the accident report.
You or your lawyer can use this information later to build a case and contact the liable party’s insurance company to file a personal injury claim.
Step 3: Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
We recommend calling a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your slip and fall accident. They can explain the slip and fall claim process and help you pursue fair compensation.
A personal injury attorney can provide comprehensive legal assistance, including:
- Gathering evidence to prove negligence
- Establishing the extent of your losses
- Handling all correspondence and calls about your slip and fall case
- Representing your interests in negotiations
- Advocating for your rights in court proceedings
While you focus on recovering from your slip and fall injury, a lawyer can begin the legal process so that you do not miss important legal deadlines.
Step 4: File a Claim With the Insurance Company
If the at-fault party has liability insurance, you can file for slip and fall injury compensation. Insurance adjusters will want to protect their company’s interests, so you benefit from having an attorney to assist you.
Sometimes, an insurance company will ask you to sign a settlement offer or waver of liability right at the accident scene. Avoid accepting any offers or signing documentation until you have spoken with your lawyer. Prematurely accepting a lowball offer could leave you with thousands in medical expenses and lost income.
Step 5: File a Slip and Fall Lawsuit
Even if you are negotiating a settlement with a liability insurance carrier, filing a slip and fall lawsuit has its benefits. Most states have a statute of limitations for filing a slip and fall injury claim. If you miss this deadline, you could lose the chance for a fair settlement. For example, you generally have two years under CCP § 335.1 to file a lawsuit.
Insurance companies know this. They may extend negotiations in the hopes that you will miss the filing deadline. Without the ability to file a lawsuit, you could lose leverage and be forced to accept a lower settlement.
A skilled slip and fall attorney will recognize these tactics and ensure your lawsuit is filed timely. Many lawsuits settle out of court once the insurance company realizes you are serious about securing reasonable compensation.
Consult With a Dedicated Slip and Fall Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident due to someone else’s negligence, you could recover financial compensation. KJT Law Group’s personal injury attorneys can help.
Our legal team has supported injury victims like you throughout the slip and fall legal process. We know how even seemingly minor injuries can cause significant mental, physical, and financial distress.
Call KJT Law Group for a Free Consulttion Today
Rather than trying to navigate complicated legal procedures yourself, let our slip and fall injury team provide the legal support you need during this difficult time. We offer free consultations and contingency fee services for slip and fall injury victims.
Contact us online today or call (818) 507-8525 to schedule a no-obligation case review. One of our slip and fall lawyers will review your case details and help you decide on your next steps.
