Q. Who pays my medical bills?
A. Generally, your own health insurance company will pay your medical bills. The policy covering the property where you fell may also have limited first party medical coverage. If you were in the course of your employment, your employer's workers' compensation carrier will pay. Your medical expenses will be included in your liability claim against the property owner.
Q. Who pays for my income loss?
A. If you were in the course of your employment, your employer's workers' compensation carrier will pay according to the workers' compensation law. Your loss of earnings and earning capacity will be included in your liability claim against the property owner.
Q. Should I report my injury to the property owner?
A. Yes! Preferably, you should report your injury to the property owner before you even leave the property. Ask if they have an incident report form and insist upon filling it out and getting a copy before you leave. If you have already left, return immediately and report your injury. Attempt to get the names of any witnesses, if possible.
Q. Are witnesses important?
A. Yes! Witnesses who can describe the dangerous condition that caused your fall, how long it had existed prior to your fall, and who saw your fall are very important. Therefore, get names, telephone numbers and addresses of witnesses, if at all possible.
Q. Should I take pictures?
A. Yes! Any evidence that will help to prove the existence of the dangerous condition that caused your fall is very important. Photographs are often the best evidence. Pictures of any visible bodily injury should also be taken.
Q. Is the clothing that I was wearing important?
A. Yes! Set aside and save the shoes and clothing you were wearing, and anything you were carrying at the time of your fall. Don't launder the clothing or wear the shoes again, as the condition of these items at the time of the fall may be important.
Q. Do I have to talk to the other party's insurance adjuster?
A. No! You should tell the adjuster that you have contacted an attorney and promptly end the conversation.
Q. Should I wait to see if my pain goes away before seeking medical attention?
A. No! If you are injured, seek medical attention promptly. Your injuries must be medically documented in order for you to obtain recovery.
Q. What should I tell the doctor?
A. Be honest and thorough in describing your injuries to your doctor. Never exaggerate or minimize your symptoms.
Q. How much will you charge me to discuss my accident?
A. Zero.
