Many people don’t get the compensation they deserve for their slip and fall injuries because they believe several common myths to be true. The information below will educate you about these myths so that mistaken beliefs won’t stop you from seeking what you are legally entitled to after an accident.
Myth #1: You can’t receive compensation if the accident was partly your fault.
In Florida, if both parties were deemed negligent, you can still recover damages. Your compensation will be less than if the accident was entirely the owner’s fault, but it is still worth pursuing.
Myth #2: You should try to settle as quickly as possible with the property owner’s insurance company.
Settling your claim can help provide closure on what may have been a painful chapter in your life, but you should never accept the insurance company’s first offer. If they contact you before you get an attorney, they will try to settle as quickly as possible with a low offer.
Myth #3: You can only sue if you slip & fall on private property.
This is not true. If you are injured on public property such as a sidewalk or government building the government may be at fault. Be aware though, in Florida, there are special procedures for suing the government, and you have to act quickly.
Myth #4: You can’t get compensation if the property owner wasn’t aware of the hazard.
To receive compensation for a slip and fall, the property owner has to be proven as negligent. The property owner can still be found negligent, even if they should have known about the issue but didn’t.
Myth #5: If you’re not seriously injured, you don’t need to see a doctor right away.
You should always seek medical help right away if you injured your neck, head, or back, or if you suspect soft-tissue damage. These injuries can be deceptive. At first, they may not seem serious but they can cause serious long-term damage if not treated promptly.
In addition, any time you slip and fall on someone else’s property, you should be examined by a doctor. This is for your health, to make sure you don’t have any serious injuries, and to provide the documentation you can later use in a lawsuit.
Myth #6: You don’t need a lawyer.
Slip and fall cases are complicated. You need to prove that the property owner was negligent, gather and analyze medical records, meet numerous court deadlines, and negotiate with the other side’s insurance company and attorneys. Unfortunately, insurance companies try to take advantage of people who don’t have lawyers representing them. Don’t get caught without representation, contact Ginnis & Krathen.
Ginnis & Krathen is a Fort Lauderdale, Florida, personal injury law firm. Every one of our clients gets personal attention from a senior law partner and other team members. We would be glad to answer your questions and talk about your slip and fall case. Schedule your free consultation by calling (954) 905-4600 or contact us on our website.