How to Strengthen Your Slip and Fall Claim
Slipping and falling might not seem all that serious, but the injuries that result can be. If you were hurt on someone else’s property and you’re struggling to cope in the aftermath, it’s only natural to want justice.
While you might be able to file a personal injury claim, there’s no guarantee it will yield a payout. You can, however, take certain steps to increases your chances of securing the compensation you deserve. Read on to learn what they are:
1. Seek Prompt Care
Immediately following a slip and fall, you may not think you sustained anything more than a bruised ego. Since some impact injuries may not manifest symptoms for hours or even days, though, it’s wise to visit a doctor anyway. If it turns out you were seriously hurt, the sooner you start treatment, the better.
In addition to protecting your health, getting started on the road to recovery right away will demonstrate a commitment to mitigating damages. This, in turn, will make it hard for the property owner to argue that you’re at least partially responsible for the severity of your losses.
2. Preserve Time-Sensitive Evidence
Some of the most valuable pieces of evidence you need to support your claim may not be available indefinitely. The incident report could be altered, for example, if it implicates the establishment. Likewise, any security footage of the accident may eventually be overwritten.
The easiest way to gather time-sensitive evidence is by enlisting help from a resourceful attorney. As soon as you hire a premises liability lawyer, your legal team will get to work, and they’ll start by compiling the proof that’s most vulnerable to being altered or destroyed.
3. Start a Daily Journal
Writing detailed entries about the challenges you face as a result of your condition will allow you to pursue the maximum payout possible. When the time comes to demonstrate damages, you can use these entries to illustrate the extent of your non-monetary losses, which are recoverable in the state of Florida. Examples include mental anguish, diminished quality of life, and pain and suffering.
4. Lay Low on Social Media
In an attempt to find cause to challenge your claim, the insurance adjuster may take to monitoring your online activity. Since there’s no way to stop the opposing party from taking what you post out of context, it’s best to stay off social media altogether until your case has been resolved.
If that’s not an option, at least make sure to enable stricter privacy settings and refrain from posting anything that has the potential to discredit your claim.
Speak with a Florida Premises Liability Attorney
Were you seriously hurt on someone else’s property? Could they have taken reasonable measures to prevent the accident? If so, turn to Emerson Straw to determine the most strategic way to proceed.
We have won numerous six- and seven-figure payouts on behalf of our valued clients. Call (727) 821-1500 or submit the Contact Form on our website to schedule a free initial consultation with a premises liability lawyer in Florida.