Be wary of any settlement offers after a slip & fall

You would be surprised how quickly the phone will start ringing after you have a slip & fall incident in a store. When medical bills start mounting up on top of your unpaid monthly expenses because you have been out of work, a quick-fix settlement offer from the store’s insurance company can be difficult to pass up.
However, it’s important that you consider the bigger picture.
The insurance company may tell you it’s a limited time settlement offer. They’ll say you can use the money to pay your bills. Realize that even if they tell you the offer has an expiration date – meaning accept it now or it’s off the table! – that’s just not true. In almost all circumstances, there will be time to go back and accept a settlement.
They may even tell you that you can always sue for money later. That’s not true. Insurance companies know you need the money now and that’s why they often make low-ball settlement offers. However, when you accept a settlement offer you won’t be able to sue for more down the line.
Do you know the extent of your injuries in the weeks after a slip & fall? Absolutely not. You have a two-year personal injury statute of limitations in New Jersey. This gives you the right to hold off on your lawsuit until you know whether you will need surgery and whether your injuries will be life-long.
Lastly, when a settlement is accepted, it must cover all your medical bills – current and future costs. You must consider lost wages and you don’t know exactly how long you will be out of work, especially if you need surgeries and rehabilitation. Remember, if the offer sounds too good to be true – it probably is.
Don’t accept any settlement before speaking with an experienced slip and fall lawyer who will explain your rights and hold the store owner, premises manager etc. responsible for your injuries.
At Team Law, we will make sure you are fully compensated. We don’t back down to insurance companies or their lawyers. We will fight for every penny you are entitled to receive. Further, we work on contingency. We only get paid if we win compensation for you.
Consider Hiring an Attorney
If anyone was injured in the accident, it’s best to consult an experienced attorney. An attorney can help you maximize your recovery if you’re injured or better defend yourself if you’re at fault. Most accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means that your lawyer only receives a fee if you’re awarded damages or receive a settlement. Contact an experienced attorney
Use Caution in Discussing the Incident
Don’t talk to anyone about the accident other than your lawyer, your insurance company, and the police. Don’t talk to a representative of another insurance company, without the knowledge of your attorney or insurer. If called by the other insurance company, be polite, but ask them to call your attorney or insurer to arrange an interview. Also, tell your lawyer or insurer about the call.