Insurance companies employ various strategies to deny liability or reduce compensation in slip and fall claims, which may include delays in the investigation or shifting blame onto the injured party. Insurers are well-versed in minimizing payouts and may attempt to exploit any inconsistency or gap in documentation to limit or deny your recovery.
Our experienced Los Angeles slip and fall lawyers at Salamati Law know how insurers delay, deny, or minimize your claim and how to counter these tactics. We fight for fair compensation while protecting your rights. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Shifting Blame to the Injured Party
It is common for insurance companies to shift blame onto the injured party in a slip and fall case. While California law allows for shared fault under the doctrine of pure comparative negligence, insurers may attempt to portray you as entirely responsible or suggest that your injuries are exaggerated.
They may also request a recorded statement early in the claims process—often intending to elicit statements that can later be used to undermine your case. It’s wise to decline this request without first consulting an attorney.
Another strategy involves reviewing your medical records for pre-existing conditions, which insurers may cite to argue that the fall did not cause your injuries. These practices underscore the importance of legal guidance when navigating a slip-and-fall claim.
Delays in the Investigation
Insurance companies often benefit from delaying a slip and fall claim investigation, knowing that prolonged financial strain may pressure accident victims into accepting undervalued settlements.
When injured parties cannot work and face mounting expenses, this financial vulnerability can be exploited to prompt a premature resolution–a common strategy to minimize payouts. Retaining legal counsel can accelerate the investigative process, protect your rights, and ensure that any settlement reflects the true extent of your damages.
Lowball Offers to Settle the Claim Quickly
Insurance companies are well-known for extending low settlement offers early in the claims process–in exchange for a quick resolution. However, the claim is considered fully resolved once a settlement agreement is signed. It cannot be reopened—even if your injuries later prove more severe or your medical expenses increase. Accepting such an offer without fully understanding the long-term implications can significantly limit your ability to recover fair compensation.
Discouraging Hiring an Attorney
When an insurance company says legal representation is unnecessary, it should raise serious concerns. This generally indicates a preference to negotiate with an unrepresented claimant—someone who may be unaware of the full value of their claim or the legal standards governing liability and damages. Insurers know that attorneys can challenge low settlement offers, advocate for fair compensation, and ensure that all aspects of your injuries and prognosis are considered.
Schedule a Free Consultation at Salamati Law
If you suffered serious injuries in a slip and fall accident caused by a property owner’s or manager’s negligence, the experienced Los Angeles slip and fall attorneys at Salamati Law are here to help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
We have an outstanding record of obtaining significant California personal injury settlement amounts for our clients. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today. Because we work on a contingency basis, you pay no fee unless you receive compensation.
