Shifting Blame after a Slip and Fall Accident

Slip and fall accidents can be some of the most difficult personal injury cases to win. That’s because injured accident victims must clearly establish that their injuries were caused by the property owner’s negligence or recklessness. To do this, there must be clear evidence that the property owner knew of the hazard or should have known of the hazard but failed to take reasonable steps to fix the hazard. This requires the skills of a law firm with considerable experience and resources representing injured slip and fall accident victims.

Shifting Blame after a Slip and Fall Accident

After the accident, the property owner and insurance company will try to shift some of the blame for the accident and injuries back on you. It’s called “Shifting Blame after a Slip and Fall Accident” and most, if not all, insurance companies use this dirty tactic. They may claim that you didn’t see posted signs, that you were texting while walking, or that you were wearing inappropriate footwear that contributed to your fall. They may claim that they didn’t know the hazard existed or that your injuries are not as severe as you claim them to be. They will do this for one reason only: to reduce their own liabilities and the amount of compensation they must pay you.

In order to prevent the blame from being shifted back onto you it is important to take the following steps after a slip and fall accident to protect your right to file a claim:

• Remain Calm – after you’ve fallen, you may be embarrassed or experiencing anxiety because of the fall. Remain calm and avoid panicking. Leaving the store or attempting to get up after a fall could make your injury worse.
• Call a Manager – ask to speak to the manager on duty or have someone notify them of the incident. The manager will need to fill out an incident report and document the situation and scene.
• Seek Medical Help – if you are severely injured, 911 may need to be called to take you to the hospital for evaluation. If you do leave the property after your accident, seek medical help on your own. Visit your doctor or go to the emergency room to be evaluated.
• Document Evidence – if you are able, take photos of the hazard and gather eyewitness information. This may be invaluable to your attorney, if you need to file a slip and fall accident claim.
• Call an Attorney – your next call should be to an experienced and skilled Arvada slip and fall accident attorney. The sooner your attorney can begin working on your case, the better your chances are at receiving a favorable outcome.

Contact Our Experienced Arvada Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers

If you or someone you love has been injured in a slip and fall accident in Arvada, Northglenn, Thornton, or anywhere in Northern Colorado, you need an experienced slip and fall accident lawyer in your corner. At Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., our committed slip and fall accident lawyers know that property owners and insurance companies will attempt to shift some or all of the blame for the accident back on you. We work aggressively to make sure that doesn’t happen so you can obtain the money you need to recover.  Contact us at (303) 423-1770 or (866) 385-3505.