Slip and fall accidents can catch anyone off guard. One minute you're walking through a store, a parking lot, or even a neighbor’s front steps, and the next you’re on the ground, shaken, hurt, and wondering what just happened. The aftermath is often more than just physical pain—it’s the confusion about who's responsible, the worry […]
Don’t Sign Anything After a Slip and Fall Accident
If you've been involved in a slip and fall accident, it's important to know your rights and what to do to protect yourself. One of the most important things to keep in mind is to never sign anything without first consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney, like those at Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Injury
If you've been involved in a slip and fall accident, there are several things you should do to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Seek medical attention: Your health and well-being are the most important things after a slip and fall injury. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don't feel like you're seriously injured. Medical documents will be needed to prove that you got your injuries from the unsafe circumstances that caused the fall and this becomes more difficult the longer you wait to see a medical professional.
Report the incident: Report the incident to the property owner or manager and make sure that they document it properly. Whoever is in charge should fill out an incident report to record the facts about the incident while they are fresh in everyone’s minds and any witnesses can be asked for their testimony or contact information. You should ask for a copy of the incident report to put with your files.
Gather evidence: If you can, take photos of the scene and any hazards that may have caused your fall. If you must leave the scene to get medical help, ask a friend or family member to come and take some pictures for you before anything is cleaned up or changed in the area.
Don't sign anything: Do not sign anything without first consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney. This includes any release or settlement agreement presented to you by the property owner or their insurance company.
Contact a personal injury attorney: Contact an experienced personal injury attorney, like those at Rosensteel Fleishman, as soon as possible. They can help protect your rights and advise you on the best course of action for your situation.
Keep records: Keep a copy of all medical treatment and expense records related to the injury, as well as any lost wages or other damages you have incurred.
Don’t talk to others about the case: Be careful what you say to insurance adjusters or representatives from the property owner's company. This includes not apologizing, admitting fault, or speculating about the cause of the accident. Do not post about the details of your case on social media, as this can be used against you by the insurance company or property owner.
Follow your doctor's orders: Follow your doctor's orders and attend all medical appointments to ensure that your injuries are properly treated. You don’t want to prolong your recovery time or create permanent damage to yourself if it can be avoided.
The Dangers of Signing Paperwork Without Legal Advice
It's important to understand the implications of signing any legal document, especially after a slip and fall accident. The insurance company or property owner may offer you a settlement, but it may not be enough to cover the full extent of your medical bills and lost wages. The paperwork you sign might mean that you are giving up your right to sue the property owner or any other responsible party for your injuries and you may be giving up your rights to seek compensation for your injuries.
These documents sometimes include a confidentiality clause which would prevent you from discussing the details of your accident or the settlement with anyone else. This can limit your ability to get help from friends, family, or other sources, and can also prevent you from speaking out about the accident to warn others about a dangerous situation. Additionally, insurance companies may use the release as a way for you to sign away your rights to file a claim in the future. These tactics are designed to protect the interests of the insurance company, not your best interests.
Ways That a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
They will evaluate your case: An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate your case and determine whether you have a valid claim, help you understand the full extent of your injuries and the impact those injuries may have on your life. Your lawyer can use this information to calculate the damages you are owed, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
They will negotiate with insurance companies: Insurance companies are not on your side. They will do everything they can to limit their liability and minimize the amount they have to pay out. An attorney can explain the complicated paperwork that insurance companies and property owners may be providing to you and negotiate on your behalf to fight for the compensation you deserve.
They will gather evidence: In order to build a strong case, it's important to gather evidence. An attorney can help collect witness statements, gather medical records, and obtain other evidence that can help support your claim. “You can trust that our lawyers are working hard for you to get the compensation that you deserve while you focus on recovery and rehabilitation,” says Charlotte attorney Corey Rosensteel.
They will represent you in court: Most cases can be settled out of court, but if necessary, an attorney can represent you in court and fight for your rights in front of a judge and jury.
Let Our Charlotte Law Firm Help With Your Slip and Fall Case
The laws regarding slip and fall cases can be complex. If you have been involved in a slip and fall accident in North Carolina, it's recommended that you consult with a slip and fall lawyer in order to know your rights and protect yourself. Rosensteel Fleishman is a highly experienced personal injury law firm that can help you navigate the aftermath of a slip and fall incident.
They have a proven track record of successfully representing clients who have been injured at a premises, and they can help you get the compensation you deserve. If you've recently had a slip and fall accident, don't hesitate to contact Rosensteel Fleishman at 704-714-1450 for a free consultation about your case.
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