Paoli Premises Liability Lawyer

Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions. If you were injured due to hazardous conditions on someone else’s property, Kingbird Legal is ready to fight for you. Our Paoli premises liability lawyer will seek compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and lost wages. Call 484-289-4880 today for a free consultation, and let us help you secure the justice you deserve.

How to Handle Insurance Companies in a Premises Liability Claim

Accidents that happen on someone else’s property can lead to serious injuries. Whether you slip and fall on a wet floor in a store or suffer an injury due to a poorly maintained property, premises liability cases often involve a complex process of dealing with insurance companies. These companies are typically responsible for compensating victims, but their primary goal is to minimize payouts. It’s essential to know how to handle insurance companies during these cases to ensure you are fairly compensated for your injuries.

In Pennsylvania, victims of premises liability accidents have the right to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. However, the process can be tricky, especially when it comes to dealing with the property owner’s insurance company. Here’s what you need to know about managing these interactions and protecting your rights.

What is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners responsible for injuries that occur on their property due to unsafe conditions. This can include slip and fall accidents, negligent security incidents, poor lighting, or any number of hazards that could harm visitors. Property owners, managers, and tenants have a duty to maintain safe conditions and address any dangerous issues on their property in a reasonable amount of time.

If an injury occurs due to the negligence of a property owner or manager, the victim can file a premises liability claim with the responsible party’s insurance company. However, insurance companies may not always make the process easy.

Why Insurance Companies Are Difficult to Deal With

Insurance companies are businesses, and like any other business, they are concerned with their bottom line. They often try to minimize the amount they pay out in claims. When you file a premises liability claim, the insurance company will look for reasons to reduce their payout, or even deny your claim altogether.

Some of the tactics insurance companies use include:

Questioning liability: The insurance company may try to argue that the property owner was not negligent, or that the injury was caused by your actions, not the dangerous condition.
Offering a low settlement: Often, insurance companies will offer a quick settlement to resolve the claim as soon as possible, even if it’s not enough to cover all your expenses. They may try to pressure you into accepting this low offer.
Delaying the process: Insurance companies may delay the processing of your claim, hoping that you will become frustrated and settle for less than your claim is worth.
Blaming the victim: In many cases, the insurance company may try to argue that the injury was your fault. They may claim that you were not paying attention or that you should have noticed the hazard.

How to Deal with Insurance Companies

Navigating the process of dealing with insurance companies can be daunting, but by taking the right steps, you can improve your chances of receiving fair compensation. Here are some key strategies to handle insurance companies in a premises liability case.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

One of the first things you should do after any accident is seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Not only will this help ensure that you are treated promptly, but it also provides documentation of your injuries, which is critical in building your case.

Insurance companies will often look for any evidence that your injuries weren’t serious or that they were caused by something else. Without medical documentation, it becomes much more difficult to prove that the property owner’s negligence caused your injuries. So, get checked out by a healthcare professional and follow through with any recommended treatment.

Report the Accident to the Property Owner or Manager

You should report the accident to the property owner or manager as soon as possible. They need to know about the hazard that caused your injury. If it’s a business, ask for a copy of the accident report. Reporting the incident in a timely manner helps ensure that the property owner takes responsibility and addresses the issue, which can strengthen your case.

In addition, this provides a written record of the accident that you can use in your claim. It’s always a good idea to document the details of the accident yourself as well, noting the time, location, and the hazardous condition that led to your injury.

Do Not Provide a Recorded Statement Without Legal Counsel

Insurance companies often ask for recorded statements from accident victims in premises liability cases. While they may tell you that the statement is just a formality, be cautious. Insurance adjusters can use the information you provide against you to undermine your claim.

It’s best not to give a recorded statement without consulting with an attorney first. Your lawyer will guide you on what to say and can help prevent you from making statements that could weaken your case.

Be Careful with Early Settlement Offers

After filing a claim, it’s not uncommon for an insurance company to make an initial settlement offer. While this may seem like a good opportunity to resolve the issue quickly, the first offer is often much lower than what you are actually entitled to.

Insurance companies will offer a settlement before you fully understand the extent of your injuries or the long-term impact of the accident. Premises liability injuries can result in ongoing medical expenses, lost wages, and even future care needs. Accepting an early offer could mean that you don’t receive compensation for these future expenses.

Before accepting any offer, consult with an experienced premises liability lawyer to understand the full value of your claim.

Gather Evidence

To prove your case, you need solid evidence that the property owner was negligent and that this negligence directly led to your injury. The more evidence you can gather, the stronger your claim will be. Some key types of evidence to collect include:

Photographs: Take pictures of the hazard that caused your injury, as well as the surrounding area. These photos can show the dangerous condition and how it contributed to the accident.
Witness statements: If there were any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information. Witnesses can provide important testimony that backs up your version of events.
Surveillance footage: If the incident occurred in a place with security cameras, ask the property owner or manager for any footage. Video evidence can be crucial in proving liability.
Medical records: Keep all medical records related to your injuries, including doctor’s visits, prescriptions, and physical therapy. These documents will demonstrate the severity of your injuries and the need for compensation.

Work with a Personal Injury Lawyer

Dealing with insurance companies can be a frustrating process, especially if you are recovering from an injury. A personal injury lawyer with experience in premises liability claims can handle the negotiations on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you are not taken advantage of by the insurance company.

Your lawyer will help you gather evidence, handle communication with the insurance company, and negotiate a fair settlement. If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, your lawyer can take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Understand Pennsylvania’s Statute of Limitations

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a premises liability claim is two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file your claim within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation altogether. It’s important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident to ensure that you meet all deadlines.

Paoli Premises Liability Attorney – Fighting for Your Right to Safety

Dealing with insurance companies in a premises liability case can be a challenge, but with the right approach, you can protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Seek medical attention right away, document everything, and don’t rush into a settlement without fully understanding the long-term consequences of your injuries.

Working with a skilled personal injury lawyer can make a significant difference in how your case is handled. Your lawyer will act as your advocate, ensuring that the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you and that your injuries are properly compensated. Kingbird Legal’s Paoli premises liability attorney is here to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call 484-289-4880 today for a free consultation, and let us hold negligent property owners accountable.