Slip and Fall Injuries: When to Agree to a Settlement?

Posted by Cynthia Madison on April 6th, 2018

In most cases, slip and fall injuries are difficult to prove in court. There are many aspects to these cases that are difficult to determine, and naturally, many of us may be thinking when a settlement should be agreed to and when not. Keep in mind that at a certain point in your process, the insurance company may offer you a settlement. So, should you accept it? Experts claim that it would be better to discuss with your attorney or injury lawyer this aspect. Regardless, you should know some general things about these settlements and their implications.

When do insurance companies offer settlements?

Generally, insurance companies will make an offer in the slip-and-fall injury cases, fairly early in the process. Keep in mind that their offer will be significantly lower than the damages caused, but this is an attempt of the insurance company to decrease the overall costs with the process. However, the experts at sooferlawgroup.com claim that your attorney will be the first to get their hands on the settlement proposed and they should discuss it with you. Some of the most common matters that you should expect to be discussed are as it follows.

•          They will most certainly ask if you are accustomed to all the types of damage these victims are entitled to.
•          They will ask if your damage is appropriately accounted.
•          They will ask if you have consulted a specialised medical practitioner in the injuries that you have been a subject of.
•          Are you fully aware and do you fully understand if the long-term implications of your injuries?
•          Do you have a strong case against the guilty party?
•          Are there any possible defenses that can be used against your lawsuit?

If your case is difficult to prove in court, a professional slip and fall personal injury lawyer will most certainly advise you to agree to the settlement offered by the insurance company. However, some victims have strong cases against the guilty parties. Regardless, discuss your options with an attorney.

How can I identify if I have a strong case against the party at fault?

A wide range of factors that favour such incidents can be identified, and if you have a great attorney, you will most certainly have a strong case against the party at fault.

•          Broken railings;
•          Loose flowing;
•          Poor lighting;
•          Uneven or damaged staircases;
•          Spill and slippery surfaces, poorly signaled;
•          Falling debris;
•          Unmaintained decks;
•          Cracked sidewalks.

A great attorney that specialises in slip and fall personal injury claims won’t be scared of a case if such factors are present in your case, even if the guilty party has an expensive lawyer. However, you should only collaborate with an attorney and legal practitioners that specialise in this law area.

These are some generalities you should always remember about slip and fall injury claims. Keep in mind that you will most certainly be approached by an insurance company that will tempt you with an early settlement. Refuse it and trust your attorney.