Tips for Settling a Slip and Fall Claim

Colburn Law

Posted in Personal Injury,Safety Tips on April 13, 2022

When you are pursuing a slip and fall lawsuit, your goal is to secure the settlement that you need to recover. Reaching an adequate settlement in a slip and fall case can be a challenge, but simple with the support of an attorney. Here are a few critical tips for settling a slip and fall claim.

#1: Never Accept the First Settlement

If you are pursuing a slip and fall claim, never accept the first settlement offer that you receive. In many cases, it is in the best interest of the property owner—or the owner’s insurance company—to limit the compensation that they pay. As a result, the first settlement that you receive is likely lower than you need to recover. 

#2: Always Seek Legal Advice

Before negotiating with an insurance company or accepting a settlement offer, you should always seek the advice of an attorney. A Washington slip and fall accident lawyer can help you calculate your potential settlement and evaluate any offers that you receive. He or she can also negotiate for a higher award if necessary. 

#3: Wait Until You Reach Maximum Medical Improvement

Never accept a settlement until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). MMI refers to the state where your injuries have healed as much as possible. At this stage, you have a clearer picture of your medical needs, long-term complications, and other future requirements. 

If you accept a settlement before reaching MMI, you could experience financial hardship in the future. You may not have enough compensation to pay for future medical care or disability accommodations, for example. By waiting until you reach MMI, you can avoid this hardship and accept an adequate offer.

#4: Follow Your Doctor’s Orders

While waiting for your case to reach a settlement, it is important to receive all of the medical care that your doctor recommends. These treatments can aid in your recovery and help you reach MMI. Additionally, the medical records from these sessions could be valuable evidence in your future case.

#5: Avoid Posting About Your Case

Posting on social media could inadvertently harm your slip and fall claim. If you post anything that contradicts your statements, the insurance company or defense attorney could use this information against you. 

Additionally, the defense could use seemingly unrelated posts against you. For example, say that you post a picture of yourself hiking with friends after your accident. The at-fault party’s lawyer may use this as evidence that your injuries were not serious and attempt to reduce your claim. 

To avoid these complications in the future, avoid talking about your accident online and be cautious when posting on social media.

Hire an Attorney to Represent Your Slip and Fall Claim

If you are pursuing a slip and fall lawsuit, you need a lawyer who can protect your best interests. A Washington slip and fall attorney can guide you through each step of the litigation process and represent you during negotiations and in the courtroom. 

An attorney can provide several benefits to your cases, such as investigatory resources, the ability to calculate your potential settlement, and knowledge of Washington personal injury law. By leveraging your lawyer’s skills and experience, you can advocate for your highest possible recovery.

As soon as possible after your accident, contact a Washington slip and fall attorney to discuss your case. Your lawyer will evaluate your case and identify your optimal path to a settlement.