Regardless of where you may live from Hiawatha to Cedar Rapids, accidents can and do happen. One of the most common types of accidents resulting in injuries is what initially appears to be a simple slip and fall incident.
While the winter is certainly a prime time for a slip or a fall on an outdoor sidewalk, parking lot, or public area, these accidents can and do happen year round. Talking to a slip and fall lawyer will give you an idea of just how frequent these cases are in any area of the state and at any time of year.
Getting Legal Advice
If you are injured because of a slip and fall accident, you may not need an attorney under very specific conditions. The most obvious is that you are not hurt in a way that requires medical attention or that results in any time lost from work or the ability to enjoy your life.
In some cases the property owner or the insurance company, if there is a minor injury, may be willing to provide compensation that seems fair. While this may seem like a good idea, it is still important to talk to a slip and fall lawyer. The biggest factor with this is that some injuries are going to take longer to heal that you realize. They also may require ongoing medical care which is not going to be something the insurance company or the defendant is going to offer.
Should you accept that offer, and then realize it is not going to cover your medical expenses long term, you will not have the opportunity to then proceed with a lawsuit. This is because when you sign the agreement to settle the claim you are saying you are accepting the offer as “full and final settlement”.
Denial of Negligence
Another issue that frequently occurs is the property owner, or the entity responsible for the maintenance of the property, may deny they were aware of the condition that caused the slip and fall. In some cases, they may even make the claim that you contributed to the accident.
You may even find that prior medical issues are being indicated as a factor in the current health problems you are facing. This again can complicate even a simple claim as the property owner will try to shift the blame to pre-existing conditions.
A slip and fall lawyer will be essential in proving the case and proving negligence on the part of the property owner. These legal professionals will also work to ensure you get all the compensation you deserve, both now and in the future.
