Slip and fall may sound insignificant, but they can result in severe injuries. Such accidents are prevalent in the United States. They can happen in various settings, such as a private home, workplace, or educational institution.
There are various misconceptions about slip-and-fall accidents. Therefore, if you have suffered injuries and want to file a compensation claim, you must ensure that you have the correct facts. A Philadelphia, PA personal injury attorneys can help learn about the laws in detail.
Common myths about slip-and-fall accidents
1. You do not need a doctor if there is no bleeding.
When people slip and fall, they feel embarrassed and go back home. They may even feel okay at the end of the day and experience no symptoms of the fall. However, the symptoms of internal injuries can take time to show. Therefore, it is advisable to visit your doctor and check your condition.
2.You can receive compensation for physical injuries only.
Many people associate slip-and-fall accidents with only physical injuries, such as bone fractures, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken pelvis, etc. However, some victims of slip-and-fall go beyond physical pain and develop conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety that affect their quality of life. If you are suffering from mental illnesses due to a slip-and-fall accident, you can also claim compensation for that.
3. Settling quicker is better.
When you are dealing with pain and want to get the best healthcare treatment out there, you may want to accept the initial offer and settle quickly. However, this can harm you in the long run, as the first offers are usually the lowest ones. These are often not enough to cover your entire damages. If you fall short of money later, you won’t be able to file another claim.
4. The property owner will pay your damages.
Property owners are only liable for your injuries when there was an obvious hazard present on their property, and they failed to mark it as dangerous. However, the liability is on you if you have acquired injuries due to your own fault, such as running and slipping.
5. You cannot file a claim if it is public property.
When you fall on public property, you may think that no action can be taken. But, that is not true. Many public properties, such as parks, are owned by private parties or simply by the government. In both cases, you are eligible for a lawsuit.
Slip-and-fall accidents can give birth to severe injuries that require monetary compensation. You may not only require compensation for medical bills but also for lost wages and pain and suffering. A qualified and experienced attorney has the resources to help you bring out the highest compensation.
