Protecting Your Rights After a Slip and Fall Accident
If you slipped, tripped, or fell on public or private property and suffered serious injuries, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Under Colorado’s law of “premises liability,” property owners have a legal duty to limit risks for their visitors and guests. If your accident happened because a property owner breached this duty, the law says that you deserve to be compensated for your losses.
But, in order to protect your right to compensation, there are some important steps you need to take, and some equally-important mistakes you need to avoid. Here are six tips from the personal injury lawyers at Levine Law in Colorado Springs, CO:
DO: Seek Medical Attention
In order to recover compensation for your injuries, you will need your medical records to show that your injuries are a result of the accident. As a result, it is important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible (if you haven’t already). Tell your doctor exactly what happened, and make sure you know what you need to do for your ongoing treatment and recovery.
DON’T: Assume Everything Will Be Fine
Far too often, accident victims seek prompt medical attention, and then they promptly ignore their doctor’s advice. If you skip therapy sessions or go back to work because you assume that your injuries will heal eventually, you will be jeopardizing your health and your legal rights.
DO: Collect Important Information
In order to prove your claim for compensation, you will need evidence of the cause and extent of your injuries. While your attorney can collect evidence through an investigation, it will also be helpful for you to collect as much information as possible. This includes photos, information about where you fell, medical records, employment records, and notes about how your injuries impact your life.
DON’T: Post about the Accident on Social Media
When you collect this information, you do not want to share it with anyone other than your attorney. You need to resist the temptation to post about the accident on social media. You can tell your friends what happened after your case is over, but you do not want to post something that the property owner’s insurance company could use against you.
DO: Speak With a Colorado Springs Personal Injury Lawyer
We have already mentioned a couple of ways that an attorney can help with your premises liability claim. In order to recover just compensation for your injuries, you will need experienced legal representation. An experienced injury lawyer will know how to deal with the insurance companies to negotiate a fair settlement; and, if a fair settlement isn’t on the table, your attorney will be able to take your case to trial.
DON’T: Deal with the Insurance Companies and Bill Collectors on Your Own
If the property owner’s insurance company contacts you, or if the hospital keeps sending letters because you are unable to pay your bills, it is imperative that you let your attorney handle everything for you. You do not want to accidentally say something that could hurt your claim, and your attorney may be able to negotiate a reduction or delayed payment of your medical expenses.
If you suffered injuries in a slip, trip or fall in the Colorado Springs area, our attorneys can help you. For a free, no-obligation consultation request an appointment online today.
