SLIP AND FALL INJURY CLAIM SETTLEMENT

Once you have filed a claim for your slip and fall injuries, the concerned party, or the insurance company might make you an offer to settle the case without going to trial. However, you should note that once you accept the settlement, you no longer have the right to pursue the claim further, or file another lawsuit concerning this incident later. Therefore, it is important to consult an experienced slip and fall attorney before signing any settlement offer.

Here is a checklist for making sure you are receiving a reasonable and fair settlement offer.

• Are all your injuries accounted for
• Are you aware of any long term effects of your injuries
• Have you received sufficient medical care and treatment for your injuries
• Have you lost income due to not attending work because of the injuries
• Were you partially at fault for slipping and falling or was the property owner solely responsible for your accident
• Were you aware of the possibility of the hazard or dangerous condition before you fell

Injuries could Increase in Severity

Do not be in a hurry to accept the settlement, especially the first offer, which is usually made to make you accept a much smaller amount than what you deserve. Secondly, your injuries are likely to worsen, and might need further treatment or surgery, which can be quite expensive.

A quick settlement is usually favorable to the property owner or insurance company and not to you. Even after successful treatment, you can end up with disfigurement, scars, or chronic pain. Make sure you give enough time after the treatment is over, to know any residual effects on your health that the injuries might cause.

Not Reason to Wait that Long

You should note that we are talking about accepting or not accepting a settlement offer, and not about filing the slip and fall lawsuit. You need to file the lawsuit within the statute of limitations, which is usually one to two years from the time of the accident.