America’s Funniest Home Videos and various YouTube compilations would have us believing that slips, trips and falls are cause for laughter. But many times, you only see the fall and not what comes after.
Slips, trips and falls can be catastrophic and have resulted in severe sprains and strains, fractured bones and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Recovery can take months and cost money. But if you make any of these mistakes, it could affect your personal injury claim and leave you in financial jeopardy.
1. Not seeking immediate medical attention
You may feel fine after your fall, but it’s important to know that the adrenaline rush following an accident can often mask pain and injury symptoms. Severe conditions such as concussions, spinal injuries or internal bleeding can develop gradually. By not seeking medical treatment, the insurance companies can argue that your injuries weren’t very severe or weren’t caused by the accident.
2. Not documenting the scene
Property owners will often clean up hazardous conditions quickly after an accident. If you don’t have some sort of proof of the hazard, you could be missing crucial evidence that could prove negligence. If possible, photograph everything from the scene, such as the actual hazard, any contributing environmental factors and context, to show that the hazard wasn’t obvious or avoidable. Also, be sure to get witness statements and contact information from anyone who may have seen the accident.
3. Not reporting the incident
Don’t leave the scene without filing an official report with the property owner or manager. Be sure to get a copy of the report and don’t sign anything without careful review.
4. Ignoring the statute of limitations
Texas has a two-year time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss the deadline to file, you will likely lose your right to pursue compensation.
5. Failing to keep detailed records
A successful personal injury claim often relies heavily on documentation. You may struggle to prove the extent of your injuries or the link between your accident and your injuries if you don’t have an organized system to keep track of your medical records, incident report, medical bills and payments.
Lastly, one of the biggest mistakes that can affect your personal injury claim is speaking with an insurance company without a legal representative. Insurance adjusters are trained professionals whose job is to minimize payouts. They are hoping that you will settle quickly without realizing the true value of your claim. Therefore, you want someone on your side who will protect your rights, explore your options and help you get compensation for your slip and fall injuries.