How to Negotiate a Slip and Fall Accident Settlement

A serious fall can result in painful injuries, expensive medical bills, and even mental health impacts. At a time like this, you need to know how to negotiate a slip and fall settlement that covers your losses. However, getting a fair payment from the insurance company can be almost impossible without the help of an attorney.

To get the damages you’re owed, you’ll want to find a skilled Atlanta slip and fall lawyer who can take on your case and stand up against dishonest insurers. With an experienced attorney on your side, you’ll have the legal support and resources you need to get the compensation you deserve.

You Need an Attorney To Negotiate a Slip and Fall Accident Settlement

If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall caused by a negligent property owner, you should know that the insurance company isn’t on your side. In fact, their goal is to close your case as quickly and cheaply as possible. As a result, they may deny responsibility altogether or offer a lowball settlement that barely covers your initial medical costs, let alone the full impact of your injuries.

To avoid falling victim to unfair insurance company practices, you’ll need to hire a skilled attorney. A lawyer will draw on their extensive experience and their firm’s resources to get the highest payment possible from the insurer. Let’s take a closer look at what a lawyer will do to negotiate a slip and fall accident settlement that meets your needs.

How a Slip and Fall Lawyer Will Help You

Slip and fall cases are rarely as straightforward as you might think. Property owners often claim they had no way of knowing about the hazard or that you were somehow to blame for your own fall. Your attorney’s job is to push back against these claims and negotiate a fair slip and fall accident settlement.

Here’s what a dedicated attorney can do to get the settlement you need to cover your losses and move forward with your life:

• Gather accident reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, medical records, and other important forms of evidence
• Analyze evidence and build a strong claim 
• Calculate the true value of your insurance claim
• Communicate and negotiate with insurers on your behalf
• Comply with filing requirements and deadlines
• Work tirelessly to get the damages you need to get your life back on track

Steps You Can Take to Help the Settlement Process

While your attorney will do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to negotiating your slip and fall accident settlement, there are several steps you can take to improve the outcome of your case. Take the following actions to strengthen your claim and improve your chances of getting a sufficient payment:

• Get prompt medical attention: It’s important that you see a doctor right away after your fall. Even if your injuries seem minor, you should still seek treatment, as doing so will create a medical record that links your injuries directly to the accident.
• Keep detailed records: You should also save medical bills, prescription receipts, time-off documentation from work, and any other records relating to your financial losses. Your lawyer can use these documents to calculate the full value of your claim and negotiate a high-value slip and fall accident settlement.
• Avoid posting on social media: If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall incident, it’s important that you avoid posting about the incident or your injury on social media. Insurers often monitor social media accounts after accidents like these. Any posts you make about your fall or injuries could be used against your claim.
• Limit communication with the insurance company: After a slip and fall, you shouldn’t speak to insurance adjusters or sign anything without your attorney’s guidance. Your lawyer will protect your rights and prevent you from saying something that could be used to hurt your claim.
• Document the incident: You’ll also want to document the incident by taking photos of the safety hazard that caused your fall and any visible injuries you’ve suffered. Your attorney can use this evidence to build your claim and obtain a slip and fall accident settlement that’s large enough to support your recovery.

Slip and Fall Accident Damages

The right slip and fall settlement for you will include the damages you need to cover your financial losses, cope with intangible struggles, and move forward into a brighter future. Depending on the unique challenges you’ve faced due to your fall, an attorney may pursue any of the following damages from the insurance company:

• Medical bills
• Physical therapy costs
• Lost wage
• Decreased earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

These damages can help you recuperate from your injury and any emotional distress you’ve experienced due to your fall. That said, getting these forms of compensation can be difficult without the help of a lawyer. Reach out to an attorney today to get the assistance you need to negotiate a fair slip and fall accident settlement.

How To Find a Lawyer Who Is Right for Your Case

After a slip and fall, you’ll want to find an experienced attorney who has the legal knowledge and resources required to get the compensation you’re owed. Consider asking potential representatives the following questions to determine if they’re the right fit for your case:

• How many slip and fall cases have you handled in the past?
• What were the outcomes of cases similar to mine?
• Do you have trial experience in slip and fall lawsuits?
• Will you personally handle my case, or will it be passed on to someone else?
• How do you approach negotiating with insurance companies?
• What is your contingency fee?
• How often will I receive updates about my case?
• What documents or evidence should I start gathering now?
• How long do you think my case will take to resolve?
• What challenges do you anticipate you might face while working on my case?
• What happens if the insurance company refuses to settle?

If a lawyer provides satisfactory answers to these questions during your free consultation, you’ll want to join forces with them and get the assistance you need to get a slip and fall settlement that works for you. Reach out to an attorney today to get started on your case.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Trusted Slip and Fall Accident Attorney

Figuring out how to negotiate a slip and fall settlement can be incredibly complicated, especially if you don’t have a legal background. Fortunately, you can leave the hard work to the attorneys at John Foy & Associates. Our firm has 350 years of combined experience and has won over $1 billion in damages for injury victims like you.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an Atlanta slip and fall lawyer and learn more about the steps we’ll take to win your case. We’ll meet with you to discuss your accident, answer your questions, and get started on your personal injury case.