If you’ve suffered an injury from a slip and fall anywhere in California, you’ll want to learn about your rights and what you can do to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. It’s important to understand that you can’t take on the insurance company alone, so you’ll want to hire an attorney.
While it’s easy to assume that you’re at fault, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, you can hold the property owner responsible. However, you need to show that the fall was a result of negligence. To prove negligence, you’ll need to prove that the property owner knew or should have known about hazardous conditions on the property. You’ll also need to document your injuries so that you have a strong case.
One of the best ways to prove that a particular object caused a fall is to photograph it. You’ll want to capture details about the object that you fell on, the foot that stepped first, and the area around your body. These aren’t the only details you’ll need, but they’re the most useful.
Another piece of evidence you’ll need is a written report. Most businesses have accident reporting systems in place. Ask for a copy of the report and keep a copy of yours. Then, if you get an offer from the insurance company, don’t accept it until you’ve been consulted by an attorney.
A lot of people think that they can simply go up to an insurance adjuster and negotiate a claim, but most do not. Insurance companies are trained to pay out as little as possible. They focus on their profits, not yours. So they’ll try to convince you that you’re at fault for your fall.
Before you leave the scene, you’ll need to gather some evidence. Some stores have cameras that can help you record the event. Others, such as hotels, may have no such facility. If you’re staying at a hotel, you might be able to find a manager. You can also call the Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez at 800-816-1529 to discuss the incident. You can also download our California Accident App here to fully document your accident.
Besides medical records, you’ll also need to gather information about the location where the fall occurred. Photographing the area can help you prove that the hazard was dangerous, even if it didn’t happen at that exact moment. Also, you might want to ask the person who saw you fall for his or her contact information.
Other evidence you can collect will include photos of your clothing and shoes. These can be helpful in proving that the property owner failed to clean up hazardous conditions. Additionally, you should take photographs of your casts and bandages. Finally, you should also keep a receipt for your expenses. This is especially important in a personal injury case, because it can be difficult to estimate your future medical costs.
Although it can be a challenge, obtaining the information you need to make a successful personal injury claim is a worthwhile pursuit. In most cases, it’s necessary to hire an attorney to get maximum compensation for your slip and fall accident case.
By California Slip and Fall Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez
www.thepersonalinjury.com
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The Law offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates has over 25 years experience handling personal injury cases all over the state of California. We have handled thousands of cases and obtained millions of dollars in settlements and judgments for our clients. Call now for a no pressure free consultation with an actual attorney. Call 800-816-1529 extension 1, click the chat button on the left, or click here to submit your case.