Slip and Fall: Common Misconceptions and Mistakes
Slip and Fall accidents are among some of the most common types of personal injury accidents we see. One common misconception about slip and fall accidents is that the injured party is always at fault for not paying attention or being careless. While personal responsibility does play a role, many slip and fall cases involve unsafe conditions that the property owner failed to address, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting. It’s important to recognize that property owners have a duty to maintain a safe environment, and if they neglect that duty, they can be held liable for injuries sustained on their premises. Here are some other common misconceptions and common mistakes about Slip and Fall cases:
I ONLY HAVE A SHORT WINDOW OF TIME TO REPORT A SLIP AND FALL CLAIM!
Not necessarily. Dependent on the situation you may have up to 2 years to make a claim as a result of a slip and fall injury but no one should wait. Gather evidence and speak to an attorney at Fonvielle Lewis Messer & McConnaughhay as soon as possible!
SLIP AND FALL VICTIMS THINK THEY CAN’T SUE OR HAVE A CASE IF THEY ARE PARTLY TO BLAME.
You may think that you are partially at-fault but you may not be at fault at all. Even if you are partially at fault, you may still make a claim.
WAITING TOO LONG BEFORE SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT CAN HURT MY CASE.
It’s always better to get immediate medical attention as soon as possible. Tell the healthcare provide that you were injured as result of a fall. However, if you wait to see a medical professional, it doesn’t mean that you can’t file a claim. After seeking medical attention, call Fonvielle Lewis Messer & McConnaughhay to see about your next steps.
JUST BECAUSE I GET INJURED ON SOMEONE ELSE’S BUSINESS OR PROPERTY, I HAVE A CASE.
Not necessarily true. A land or business owner has to be negligent in their conduct for there to be a claim. At Fonvielle Lewis Messer & McConnaughhay, we can tell you if a claim exists.
NOT TAKING PHOTOS OF THE ACCIDENT SCENE OR ANY PHYSICAL INJURIES RIGHT AWAY WILL KILL MY CASE.
While it’s true not taking photos of the scene or your injuries can make a claim harder, but that should not stop you from talking to Fonvielle Lewis Messer & McConnaughhay about your claim.
NOT REPORTING THE FALL TO THE PROPERTY OWNER OR MANAGER OF THE BUSINESS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WILL DECREASE MY ODDS OF HAVING A CASE.
Talking to management at the time of the accident is helpful. Tell them that you want to report the accident and see if they will give you a copy of the accident report. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and telephone numbers. Not doing any of the above makes much more difficult to recreate the accident scene but not impossible. In general, the more evidence the better for pursuing your claim.
I SHOULD CONTACT THE INSURANCE COMPANY MYSELF AND DEAL DIRECTLY WITH THEM.
Rarely does contacting an Insurance company work in your favor! After all, they are not in the business of paying claims and helping injured people. You will need an advocate who can help you navigate all aspects of a personal injury claim.
MOST INJURIES IN A SLIP AND FALL ACCIDENT ARE MINOR AND DON’T AFFECT A PERON’S LONG-TERM HEALTH.
WRONG! Some injuries can affect you for the rest of your life. Your health is too important to chance to a slip and fall accident. Some injuries can linger or worsen as the months and years go by. Do not assume your injury will get better because the initial slip and fall accident wasn’t too severe.
If you are ever injured in a slip and fall accident, seek medical treatment, document the accident, notify the business or property owner, and call the Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys who will help you with all the questions and pitfalls of dealing with a slip and fall injury. Call the slip and fall experts at Fonvielle Lewis Messer & McConnaughhay.