Slip and fall accidents are often ridiculed but the reality is that they can result in serious injuries. These injuries can require extensive medical treatment and lead to lost income and other issues. In those situations, you may be entitled to compensation but, unfortunately, these cases can be much more difficult to pursue than many people expect. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property, a Fort Walton personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the claim process so that you can get the compensation you need.
Understanding the Property Owner’s Legal Duties
Property owners have a legal obligation to ensure that their property is safe for guests and visitors. This means that, under the law, they have a duty to address hazards on their property that they knew or should have known about. While this sounds straightforward, property owners will try to argue that there was no way they could have known about the hazard, or that they made a reasonable effort to correct it, even if it was ineffective. In other situations, they may try to argue that your injury was the result of your own negligence or that some third party is to blame. A Fort Walton personal injury lawyer can cut through these arguments and prove how the property owner breached their duty to keep you safe from injury.
Dealing With the Insurance Company
Generally speaking, slip and fall accidents are covered by the property owner’s general liability insurance. Even if the property owner believes your claim should be paid, the insurance company may deny liability or attempt to settle your claim for far less than it is worth. An experienced Fort Walton personal injury lawyer will know how to deal with the insurance company to ensure that you get fair compensation for your claim.
You May Be Entitled to More Than Your Medical Expenses
Many people who are injured in slip and fall accidents simply rely upon their health insurance to cover their bills. This is obviously helpful if you have health insurance, but it’s important to remember that you are entitled to compensation for any out-of-pocket medical expenses such as copays or costly deductibles.
You also need to understand that your health insurance will not cover losses such as your lost wages or pain and suffering. A Fort Walton personal injury lawyer can help you recover compensation for all of your losses in addition to your medical bills.
Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident? Talk to a Fort Walton Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, don’t let the property owner or their insurance company push you around. Before making any decisions, you should at least talk to a Fort Walton personal injury lawyer about your case. They can determine whether you have a claim and provide an estimate of what it may be worth. More importantly, they can handle your claim so that you can focus on your recovery. Contact Powell, Powell & Powell today at 850-682-2757 to schedule a free consultation with a Fort Walton personal injury lawyer who knows how to get results.