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The Truth About Slip And Fall Claims

Slip and fall accidents can lead to serious injuries, medical bills, and significant disruptions to your life. When such incidents occur on someone else’s property, the property owner’s insurance company often becomes a key player in determining compensation. However, insurance companies rarely make the process of securing a fair payout simple. They have strategies in place to minimize their financial liability, and there are several facts they don’t want you to know.

Early Settlements Are Usually Not In Your Best Interest

One of the first things insurance companies may do is offer a quick settlement. It’s tempting to accept immediate compensation, especially if medical bills are piling up and your financial situation feels uncertain. However, these early offers often do not cover the full extent of your injury-related expenses. Insurance companies use this tactic hoping you will agree before fully understanding the long-term implications of your injuries. Once you accept a settlement, you forfeit the right to pursue further compensation, even if you later discover your recovery will require extensive treatment or time away from work.

Recorded Statements Can Be Used Against You

After a slip and fall, an insurance adjuster may contact you and ask for a recorded statement. It might sound innocent, but anything you say could be used to undermine your claim. Even casual remarks or phrases that seem harmless can be interpreted in a way that shifts blame onto you or downplays the severity of your injuries. For example, if you say you feel “okay” when asked about your condition, that statement could be cited later as evidence that your injuries are not serious. It’s often in your best interest to avoid making any recorded statements without first consulting with a slip and fall lawyer.

Insurance Adjusters Are Not On Your Side

Insurance adjusters may present themselves as sympathetic or understanding, but it’s important to remember they are primarily employed to protect the insurance company’s interests. Their primary goal is to minimize the amount of money paid out in claims. This often involves asking leading questions designed to elicit responses that can weaken your case. For instance, adjusters may try to establish that you were distracted or not paying attention at the time of the accident. Be mindful of how these conversations are framed and keep your answers simple and factual.

Your Medical History Might Be Scrutinized

Insurance companies often request access to your medical records, not just related to the injury from the accident but also your entire medical history. They may try to argue that your current injuries are pre-existing or unrelated to the incident in question. This tactic is used to reduce the amount of compensation you can claim. However, not every pre-existing condition makes an injury unrelated or less severe. Being upfront about your medical history while understanding that it can be used in these ways is important when pursuing your claim.

Understanding the tactics insurance companies use can help level the playing field. If you’ve experienced a slip and fall accident, being aware of these strategies can make a significant difference in how your claim is handled and the compensation you receive. Contact a legal professional you can trust like our friends at Hurwitz, Whitcher & Molloy today to start your journey toward the compensation you deserve!