Were you recently injured in a slip and fall accident? The type and severity of your injuries could affect your injury case and the amount of money you can get from it. Here’s what you need to know about slip and fall injury cases and how a lawyer can help you maximize your payout.
Common Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can cause many different injuries. Some heal quickly with rest, while others take much longer and need medical care. The kind of injury you have can affect how you feel, how much time you miss from work, and how your body moves afterward. It can also affect the outcome of a legal case. Below are some common examples of injuries people report after slip and fall accidents:
- Broken Bones: A fall can break bones in the wrist, arm, ankle, or hip. Some breaks require surgery and physical therapy to heal.
- Sprains and Strains: Twisting your ankle or wrist during a fall can stretch or tear soft tissue, which often causes swelling and pain.
- Back Injuries: A hard landing can damage your spine or the muscles in your lower back, which can lead to chronic back pain.
- Head Injuries: Hitting your head in a fall can lead to a concussion or other brain injuries. Severe head injuries can have lifelong consequences.
- Cuts and Bruises: These injuries often look worse than they are, but some deep cuts might require stitches and possibly leave scars.
- Knee Injuries: Falling forward or sideways can damage the knee joints, sometimes requiring surgeries or braces during recovery.
How Your Injuries Could Affect Your Slip and Fall Case
The injuries you suffer in a slip and fall accident can make a big difference in your injury case. The more severe your injuries, the more money you might be able to recover. For example, if you broke a bone, needed surgery, or couldn’t work for a long period, those factors could increase the value of your case. If you experienced relatively minor bruises or soreness that went away after a few days, that could lead to a smaller payout.
The type of injury you suffer also matters. Head injuries, back injuries, and any other injuries that cause long-term pain usually carry more weight. Medical records play an important role in these cases. They show what kind of treatment you needed and how long your recovery took. Insurance companies look at those records when deciding how much to offer in a settlement.
The more clear and detailed your records are, the stronger your case will be. An attorney can help you gather and present strong evidence for your case to maximize your payout.
How a Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Can Help
Slip and fall cases require more than just proving that you got hurt. These cases also involve gathering evidence, communicating with insurers, and meeting legal deadlines. A slip and fall attorney can handle all of these details for you while you focus on healing. Below are some of the ways a lawyer could help with your slip and fall case:
- Gathering medical records and bills to support your claim
- Reviewing accident reports and other written records
- Interviewing witnesses who saw the fall or know what caused it
- Visiting the scene to look for evidence and take photos
- Talking with doctors about your injuries and future care
- Speaking with insurance adjusters on your behalf
- Preparing and filing claim paperwork within relevant deadlines
- Negotiating with the other side for a fair settlement
- Taking the case to court if a settlement doesn’t work out
Contact a Slip and Fall Accident Attorney Now
If you got hurt in a slip and fall accident, don’t wait to get answers. Call Joshua E. Palmer Law Firm today to begin your free consultation. Joshua will listen to your story, review your options, and help you figure out your next steps.