On-property injuries frequently happen due to slip and fall accidents. While the majority of them are accidents caused by no one else, others may be the result of a property owner’s negligence. Despite this, only a small number of persons injured in slip and fall accidents file personal injury lawsuits to seek compensation.
The amount of disinformation surrounding slip and fall accidents is one reason why so few people file cases. Let’s clear up some of that misinformation right now by debunking the top 5 slip and fall misconceptions.
Fast Fact: According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), approximately 9 million hospital emergency room visits are caused by slips and falls each year.
Myth 1: If You Are Injured As A Result Of A Slip And Fall, The Property Owner Is Responsible For Your Medical Bills.
It is critical to have proof that your injuries were caused by the property owner’s negligence or acts to win your slip and fall lawsuit in or out of court. Just because you slipped and fell on someone else’s property doesn’t mean they have to pay for your injuries. The accident must be linked to the property owner’s role in the hazardous environment.
Speaking with a personal injury lawyer is the best way to ensure that you receive full compensation for a slip and fall accident in case the property owner is accountable.
Myth 2: The Claim You Have Made is Not Legitimate.
Accidents happen all the time, so a property owner may make you believe there is no legitimate reason to file a case which is not true. You may have a legitimate slip and fall injury case if you get hurt on someone else’s property as a result of the property owner’s negligence. The legal term for these kinds of situations is “premises liability.” The owner of the property where the damage happened bears legal responsibility under the law of “premises liability.”
Allowing a property owner to mislead you into believing you don’t have a legitimate claim to reimbursement for all damages is not a right.
Myth 3: A Quick Settlement is Ideal for Both the Parties.
The majority of slip and fall injury claims are handled outside of court. However, it can’t be said that an immediate settlement is always in your favor.
If you receive reimbursement right after your injury, the insurance company may take advantage of your fear and insecurity to deal with your medical bills. They may force you to accept a settlement less than what you deserve.
Often you underestimate your injury, but after some time, the injury persists, and you realize that you are more hurt than you anticipated. This makes you realize that you settled on much lesser than what you deserved.
Myth 4: The Insurance Company is Working for Your Benefit.
Following an accident, insurance firms may provide a rapid settlement. However, it’s crucial to remember that insurance companies do not work for you and are in the industry to make money. While the insurance representatives may appear to be polite, cooperative, and courteous, the truth is that they are attempting to reduce compensation.
The sooner you accept a settlement, the more likely you are to receive a refund that is far less than what you deserve. Therefore, it is advised to contact a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney who will work for your benefit.
Myth 5: If You are Partially at Fault, You Cannot Recover compensation.
Because of this reason, victims believe that they were at least somewhat to blame for the fall, due to which many slip and fall victims choose not to file a lawsuit. The truth is that even if you were somewhat to blame for the accident, this does not exclude you from recovering damages.
There is a legal notion known as ‘comparative negligence,’ in which both the defendant and the plaintiff share blame. Even if you were 51% at fault for the accident, you might be able to recover damages. Your damages, however, are lowered by your proportion of fault.
Myth 6: Only Physical Injuries are Eligible for Reimbursement.
Another prevalent misconception is that victims of slip and fall accidents can only seek compensation for their physical injuries. In addition to the medical expenditures incurred as a result of your fall, you may be able to claim the following damages in most states:
- Loss of income
- Suffering and pain
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages
Slip and Fall Accidents Happen – Get Representation
Accidents involving slips and falls can result in life-threatening injuries that may need extensive medical treatment. You usually have two to three years after an injury to initiate a lawsuit. Therefore, it is recommended to file a case as soon as possible.
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident and need a personal injury attorney, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our competent personal injury lawyers with years of experience will handle any complex liability claim skillfully.
Call us at (800) 560-5059 for legal assistance.
About the Author
Michael Steinger
MICHAEL S. STEINGER, founding partner of Steinger, Greene & Feiner, believes in representing real people, not big businesses. Since the firm’s creation in 1997, Steinger, Greene & Feiner has never represented an insurance company or large corporation, and he vows to keep this promise. Over the course of his career, Michael has handled thousands of Florida accident cases, recovering millions of dollars for his clients and earning him membership into the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Staying up-to-date on the ever-evolving laws protecting injury victims and their families, Michael is an active member of the American Bar Association, the Palm Beach, and St. Lucie Bar Associations, and sits on the Auto Insurance Committee of the Florida Justice Association.
Michael Steinger
MICHAEL S. STEINGER, founding partner of Steinger, Greene & Feiner, believes in representing real people, not big businesses. Since the firm’s creation in 1997, Steinger, Greene & Feiner has never represented an insurance company or large corporation, and he vows to keep this promise. Over the course of his career, Michael has handled thousands of Florida accident cases, recovering millions of dollars for his clients and earning him membership into the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Staying up-to-date on the ever-evolving laws protecting injury victims and their families, Michael is an active member of the American Bar Association, the Palm Beach, and St. Lucie Bar Associations, and sits on the Auto Insurance Committee of the Florida Justice Association.