Slip-and-Fall Accident Lawyer in San Diego

What To Do After A Slip and Fall Accident Causes Your Injuries

Whether your slip and fall was the result of inadequate repairs, dangerous conditions, or another safety issue, there are steps you need to take right away to protect your rights to financial compensation from the property owner. It’s critical that you don’t wait to initiate a legal case. If you wait too long, you could miss the deadline and lose your opportunity to hold the owner accountable for their actions.

Laws and statutes require filing an insurance claim or lawsuit within a specific timeframe. You might think you have plenty of time to prepare, but unexpected challenges could delay the process. The sooner you get started, the more likely you’ll be able to recover a monetary award that covers the costs associated with the accident.

Step 1: Seek medical treatment.

We cannot stress enough how important medical treatment is after suffering injuries in a slip and fall accident. Even if you think your injury is minor, you should still see a doctor. Sometimes the shock of what just happened can mask the pain and diminish the severity of an injury. You won’t know how serious your situation is until a physician performs a thorough evaluation.

You should allow an ambulance to transfer you to a hospital from the accident scene or make an appointment with your doctor as soon as you leave. Don’t wait days or weeks before your initial appointment. Insurance companies look at gaps in treatment as evidence that an injury didn’t occur or isn’t serious enough to require medical intervention.

Your doctor could refer you for imaging tests, physical therapy, rehabilitation, or another type of treatment plan. Follow their orders explicitly. Failing to do so could result in a denied insurance claim or low settlement offer. The medical records associated with your treatment will reflect your injury’s severity and how long it takes to recover. It can also establish any mental or physical limitations caused by the accident. If you’re unable to work, you could pursue compensation for any income you’re unable to earn.

Continue with your treatment until your doctors release you from their care. They will release you if your injury fully heals or whenever you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). MMI indicates that a person’s medical condition won’t improve further, even with additional medical care. If your doctor places you at MMI, they might provide an impairment rating, indicating the level of impairment to a specific body part or the body as a whole. This will show the potential for necessary treatment in the future to manage chronic pain or aid in mobility.

Step 2: Hire a lawyer.

You should seek legal representation immediately after your slip and fall. You might think you can handle your case alone, but you could encounter obstacles that you don’t know how to overcome. At Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers, we know the challenges that can arise during a legal case and how to avoid them. Without assistance from an experienced San Diego slip and fall accident lawyer, you could run into roadblocks that stall the progress of your case.

Step 3: Maintain records.

Maintain all documents regarding the accident, your injury, and the treatment you’re receiving. Keep copies of all medical bills your doctors send to you. If they prescribe medication, keep a copy of those prescriptions and receipts as well. You should also write down any out of pocket expenses you incurred due to the accident. For example, if you were vacationing in Los Angeles when you suffered an injury, you might have paid for extra nights at a hotel so you can seek treatment. You might be able to pursue compensation for the hotel stay and other costs you were forced to pay to extend your visit.