Falls account for a large percentage of injury accidents in the United States each year. Injured victims can suffer serious injuries and even death in a slip and fall accident. In the aftermath of the incident, your focus should be on getting care that will get you back on your feet. But figuring out how you will be compensated for your medical bills, lost wages and other damages can weigh heavy on your mind. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, the insurance company may be offering you a settlement but how do you know if it’s fair?
Is This the First Offer?
In the immediate aftermath of the accident, the insurance company may try to contact you and convince you to settle very quickly. Do not accept an offer without consulting an attorney. Once you settle you can never go back to seek compensation for medical treatment or other losses down the line. Insurance companies will try to take advantage of your fear and anxiety by convincing you to settle quickly.
Do You Understand the Full Extent of Your Injuries and Needed Medical Treatment?
Fair slip and fall accident settlements include the full cost of your medical expenses -- both in the immediate aftermath of the accident and ongoing treatment. If your medical treatment will extend far into the future, or you have lasting injuries that will require ongoing treatment, your claim could include a demand for compensation for these future medical expenses. Medical expenses include:
- Doctor bills
- Hospital and surgery bills
- Rehabilitation services and therapy
- Medications
- Medical devices
You need to have a full medical prognosis before you can understand the total of your losses and before you should settle a claim. In addition, compensation can include lost wages and future lost wages. The higher the amount of your medical bills and other damages that you are seeking, the more complex the negotiation becomes--and the more important it is to enlist the help of a New Jersey slip and fall accident lawyer who can represent your best interests. Most insurance adjusters will take you seriously if you pursue a high-value claim with the help of a lawyer, making it much easier to obtain fair compensation.
Fair Settlement for Pain and Suffering in a Slip and Fall Accident
A fair slip and fall accident settlement often includes compensation for intangible losses for emotional injuries and mental anguish like pain and suffering. Every case and settlement is unique, so insurance companies look at the severity and permanency of your bodily injuries. In other words, you will be entitled to more money for pain and suffering if you suffered a traumatic brain injury than if you sprained your ankle. The more severe and permanent your injury is, the more pain and suffering you will experience, and the more you deserve in compensation for your injuries.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Fair Settlement after a Slip and Fall Accident?
Hiring an experienced slip and fall accident lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. If you experienced severe injuries or were hurt after a fall incident on commercial or public property, you should consult a personal injury attorney about your case. By having legal representation, your lawyer will handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf and work toward securing a fair settlement for your slip and fall accident. Why risk being unfairly compensated and not having recourse to fix it?
When you hire a slip and fall accident lawyer from Brandon J. Broderick, you pay nothing upfront. We work on contingent fees that are only collected if we win your case. If we don’t win, you don’t pay. Don’t wait, contact us today for a free consultation. With our proven track record of success and our commitment to client care, we can turn your setback into a comeback.