If you reported your accident to the property owner, you may receive a call from the owner’s liability insurance company offering you money as settlement of your slip and fall claim (even if you haven’t filed a claim or spoken with a lawyer). This call may come as a welcome surprise since it feels like someone is offering you free money. But remember, insurance companies are not in the business of paying money out of the kindness of their hearts. If an adjuster from the property owner’s insurance company contacts you, it’s a sign they’re worried you have a case.
Never sign anything or agree to an unsolicited offer from the property owner’s insurance company without first talking to an experienced slip and fall lawyer. Chances are, any offer made to you directly will fall far short of the amount of money you deserve to receive.
Many factors can affect the value of your slip and claim, and often, insurance companies deliberately under-value those factors in making a settlement offer directly to you.
With the help of an experienced attorney, you can determine the amount you should receive from the insurance company by evaluating (among other factors):
The severity of your injuries and their impact on your everyday life
The estimated duration of your recovery and your long-term prognosis
The amount of money the injury has caused you to spend
The impact of the fall and injury on your income.
In most cases, you can obtain a far higher payment from the insurance company (and anyone else financially obligated to pay your damages) by leaving negotiation of your settlement to an experienced slip and fall attorney.