A lot of people think that slip and fall cases are the most common type of case injury attorneys in Riverdale handle. This couldn’t be far from the truth. In reality, many slip and fall cases are minor. Thankfully, very few of them result in devastating injuries. However, every now and then, we meet with a client who suffered a tremendous slip and fall. They ended up with nerve damages or a spinal cord injury. They may have hit their head and suffered a traumatic brain injury. Anything can happen when you fall in a public place.
One of the problems with slip and fall cases is that a lot of them go unreported. Some people are so embarrassed that they fell, they try to pretend it didn’t happen. They go about their shopping and leave the store as quickly as possible. Then, a day or two later, they realize something is wrong. They go to the doctor and find out they have a torn ACL, a concussion, and a slipped disc.
Unfortunately, they waited too long to seek medical treatment. Our Riverdale slip and fall lawyers then have to gather evidence to prove that your fall did indeed cause your injuries.
An Injury Attorney in Riverdale Can Help File Your Insurance Claim
When you slip and fall in a store or other commercial building, you need to fill out an accident form. This is the only way to document what happened. When you fall, you need to find a manager. Rather than get up and injure yourself further, ask someone to find a manager for you. Once the manager appears, you’ll need to fill out the form.
If you can’t manage this, ask them to fill it out for you. Then, you need to ask them to call an ambulance. This is crucial. This is the only way to make sure you’re okay. It’s also the best way for your injury attorney in Riverdale to prove causation.
Once you’ve been seen at the emergency room, contact our Riverdale slip and fall lawyer. They will help you file your initial insurance claim. The building in which you fell is covered by general liability insurance. The owner of the store or property must maintain this insurance in order to stay in business.
This insurance coverage is designed to help people like you. Anybody who gets injured while in the store must first file their claim against the insurance policy. If it’s approved, great. You’ll have a check in a matter of weeks. If, however, your claim is denied, you’ll have to pursue legal action.
If Need Be, Your Riverdale Slip and Fall Lawyer Can File Suit
Ideally, the insurance company will approve your claim. However, if it is denied, you have options. Your Riverdale slip and fall lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf. While this is a last resort, it is sometimes the push the insurance company needs. They may take your claim more seriously now. They’ll also realize that your attorney means business.
When you sue, you’ll have to name both the store owner and manager as well as the property owner. In addition, you’ll have to name their insurance companies as well. Quite frankly, it doesn’t matter who pays your claim. As long as you’re fairly compensated for your injuries, it’s a win.
Your complaint must include a claim for damages. Your damages may include some or all of the following:
- Medical Bills – You’ll be entitled for compensation for any medical bills you paid out of pocket. You can also demand that your personal health insurance carrier be reimbursed for any monies they already paid out. Finally, if you’re going to need future medical care, that will be part of your demand as well.
- Lost Wages – If you missed more than a couple of weeks from work, you can demand payment. Your injury attorney in Riverdale will submit copies of your payroll records to show how much you lost in wages.
- Lost Future Income – If you are no longer able to do the same kind of work you did prior to your fall, you can demand compensation. This will be equal to the difference between what you would have earned and what you’ll now earn as a result of your injuries.
- Pain and Suffering – As with most other personal injury cases, you can demand pain and suffering. These damages are meant to compensate you for any mental or physical anguish you suffered.
Even though your Riverdale slip and fall lawyer will demand damages, there’s a good chance they’ll settle your case. If this happens, you will receive a reduced amount. This is the compromise you make to avoid trial. Since there’s a chance you could lose at trial, it’s in your best interest to consider a settlement.
You Shouldn’t Try to Handle Things by Yourself
Some people think it’s easy to sue somebody. They think that all they have to do is fill out a form at the courthouse and wait for things to happen. They have no idea about filing fees. They have no idea what the term “discovery” means or how they’re supposed to conduct it. The truth is that nobody should understand how to do these things. If you’re not a Riverdale slip and fall lawyer, why would you know this information? It would be expecting an injury attorney in Riverdale to fix your transmission. It would be a disaster.
The same thing can be said of a slip and fall victim thinking they should handle their own case. Don’t get us wrong – there is no law that says you must hire a Riverdale slip and fall lawyer. However, if you want the best chance of winning or settling your case, you’ll retain an injury attorney in Riverdale today. Not only will this increase your chances of success, but it puts the work in somebody else’s hand. This frees you up to focus on your recovery and move forward with your life.
