4 Mistakes To Avoid After An Iowa Slip And Fall Accident

While some slip and fall victims only end up with a few bruises, many sustain severe injuries. In some situations, slip and fall victims have to deal with both physical and emotional trauma that can last for several months or even years. Some individuals cannot even go to work after slipping and falling, and, unfortunately, lost days from work often result in lost wages. Sadly, according to the National Floor Safety Institute, slip and fall accidents represent the primary cause of lost days from work.

Fortunately, a slip and fall victim can obtain compensation from a negligent party or negligent parties by filing a personal injury claim. To ensure you file a successful personal injury claim, you must take certain steps after your accident. For instance, after a slip and fall accident, you need to hire a personal injury attorney. While knowing what to do after a slip and fall accident is important, it is also vital to know the mistakes to avoid that could affect your slip and fall case. The following are four mistakes you should avoid after a slip and fall accident to maximize your compensation.

Mistake #1: Failing to File a Claim Within the Statute of Limitations

When it comes to filing personal injury claims, plaintiffs need to do so within the prescribed window of time. After the negligence of another party leads to you being involved in an Iowa slip and fall accident that results in severe injuries, you need to file a personal injury claim within two years. Filing an Iowa slip and fall injury claim after the statute of limitations has expired can make it difficult or impossible for you to obtain compensation.

Mistake #2: Failing To Collect Witnesses’ Contact Information

People who may have seen you slip and fall can be critically important to your personal injury case. Such people can give detailed information about your accident and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. So, after an Iowa slip and fall accident, it is important that you don’t forget to collect witnesses’ contact information. After an Iowa slip and fall accident, it is important that you get witnesses’ names, addresses, and phone numbers.

Mistake #3: Not Gathering Sufficient Documentation/Evidence

Generally, to prove that your slip and fall accident occurred due to another party’s negligence, you need sufficient documentation/evidence. Some of the documentation that can help you prove your claim include the following;

• Medical records
• Witnesses’ testimonies
• Footage or pictures showing the dangerous condition you fell upon
• Incident report

Mistake #4: Signing and Accepting an Initial Offer Without Consulting an Attorney

You should avoid accepting an initial settlement offer from an insurance company without consulting your attorney. Even when you think you have been given a good settlement offer, it would be best for you to consult your attorney before signing any document or form. Remember that you are not under any obligation to sign any document from an insurance company immediately, especially if you are not sure about the settlement being offered.

Consult a Southeast Iowa Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you want to know about the other mistakes you should avoid making after a slip and fall accident, or you need help filing a slip and fall injury claim against an at-fault party, contact our Southeast Iowa personal injury attorneys at the Noyes Law Office, P.C., today.

Source:

legis.iowa.gov/docs/ico/chapter/614.pdf