Westminster Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys

Slip and fall accidents don’t often get the same coverage as car wrecks and medical malpractice suits, but the consequences can be just as serious. Victims can suffer a range of life-altering injuries such as brain trauma, spinal cord injuries, and other debilitating conditions. If you were injured due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, turn to our Westminster slip and fall accident attorneys to discuss your options. We work on a contingency-fee-basis, so you won’t pay a cent for attorney’s fees unless we win your claim. Contact us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS to find out more

What Role Might an Expert Witness Play in My Personal Injury Claim?

Expert witnesses are individuals with in-depth knowledge and extensive experience in a specific field. Your attorney may call on expert witnesses to assist with certain aspects from your case such as proving your damages, estimating the value of your losses, and testifying during trial. For instance, a medical specialist may be called on to determine the cost of future healthcare interventions. Alternatively, your attorney may consult with an accident reconstruction expert to help identify the liable parties. At HPIL, our bicycle accident attorneys have access to an expansive network of highly qualified experts across a range of disciplines who have experience providing deposition in personal injury cases. Here are a few examples of expert witnesses who might play a role in your claim:

• Vocational Experts: If you are pursuing damages for lost income, the insurer might assert that your injuries did not impede your ability to do your job. In this scenario, your attorney may call on a vocational expert who can provide deposition regarding how your injuries have affected your job performance and are likely to diminish your income-earning capacity.

• Accident Reconstruction Experts: Using evidence from the scene, such as surveillance camera footage, photographs, and the official accident report, an accident reconstruction expert will be tasked with determining who or what caused the accident and how you suffered your injuries.

• Medical Experts: Besides helping your lawyer estimate fair compensation for your medical bills, a medical specialist can also provide deposition regarding the extent of your injuries, the long-term impact of your injuries, and any limitations stemming from your condition. Consulting with a medical expert can help ensure that you don’t overlook costs that may be recoverable as part of your claim. For instance, if you suffered a spinal cord injury, a medical expert could help determine whether you will require any additional interventions down the line.

Should I Visit a Doctor Even If My Injuries Are Not Serious?

If you were recently involved in a slip and fall accident but were able to walk away from the scene, you may think visiting the doctor is unnecessary. After all, between the nine-to-five, errands, and life’s other commitments, many of us don’t have time in our busy schedules to attend a doctor’s appointment. However, if there’s even a small chance that you were hurt in the fall, you should undergo a medical evaluation to ensure a potentially life-threatening condition doesn’t go undiagnosed. Here are a few more reasons why you should always get a diagnosis after a serious accident: 

• Insurers Will Want to See Your Medical Records: While you may be an honest person, the insurer won’t trust you based on your word alone. Typically, claims adjusters will want to see proof of the damages you’ve sustained. As such, your medical records will be an invaluable asset in your fight for fair compensation. When you’re treated by a healthcare provider or facility, doctors will create medical records documenting the details of your injuries. Your records may include notes on the types of injuries you suffered, the necessary treatments, prescribed medication, lab test results, and other aspects of your treatment plan.

• You Have a Responsibility to Mitigate Damages: As a claimant, you have a duty to take reasonable steps to mitigate damages. As part of this responsibility, you are expected to visit the doctor within an acceptable time frame after the accident. If your condition deteriorates because you took too long to visit the doctor—or skipped this step entirely—the insurance company might assert that your own negligence caused your injuries to worsen. As a result, your financial award may be reduced by a percentage based on your degree of liability.

• A Prompt Diagnosis Could Help Tie Your Injuries to the Accident: In a slip and fall accident claim, you must not only show that the at-fault party caused the accident and that you suffered damages but also demonstrate that your injuries are connected to the tort. Unless you can establish this link, you will not receive a financial award. Visiting the doctor as soon as possible after the accident will ensure that the date of your diagnosis correlates with the day of the slip and fall. If you do not seek medical treatment or delay the diagnosis, the insurer may argue that your injuries stem from a different incident or are related to a pre-existing condition.

Speak to a Westminster Slip and Fall Accident Attorney Today

Legal proceedings for a personal injury claim can be incredibly complex, so it’s only natural to feel like you’re out of your element. Our attorneys can help handle the logistics of your case, taking time to guide you and your family through this challenging chapter of your lives. Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS or head to our contact form HERE to schedule a free consultation.