Insurance adjusters play a key role in slip-and-fall settlements by investigating the claim, assessing liability, and negotiating compensation on behalf of the insurance company. They review evidence such as medical records, surveillance footage, and accident reports to determine whether the property owner was negligent. Adjusters often aim to minimize payouts by disputing liability or questioning the extent of injuries. Claimants should be cautious when speaking with adjusters and consider legal representation to ensure a fair settlement.
At Salamati Law, we are committed to maintaining close communication with our clients while protecting their rights, handling medical bills, thoroughly investigating the accident, and negotiating fair settlements. Call today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
How Insurance Adjusters Evaluate and Investigate Slip-and-Fall Claims
When a slip-and-fall claim is filed, insurance adjusters conduct a thorough investigation to determine liability and assess the appropriate compensation. Their goal is to evaluate the claim’s legitimacy and minimize the insurer’s financial exposure. Here’s how they go about the process:
- Reviewing Incident Reports – Adjusters examine police reports, accident reports, or any documentation filed at the scene to establish key details about the incident.
- Inspecting the Property – They may conduct a site visit to assess the hazardous condition that led to the fall, checking for factors like ice, poor lighting, or uneven surfaces.
- Analyzing Surveillance Footage – If available, security camera footage is reviewed to verify the sequence of events and determine whether negligence played a role.
- Interviewing Witnesses – Statements from bystanders, employees, or other parties present at the scene can provide valuable insight into the circumstances of the accident.
- Reviewing Medical Records – The adjuster examines medical reports, bills, and treatment history to determine the severity of injuries and whether they are consistent with the fall.
- Assessing the Claimant’s History – They may investigate the claimant’s medical and claims history to check for prior injuries or past lawsuits that could affect the case.
- Evaluating Financial Losses – Lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages are calculated to determine a potential settlement amount.
- Examining the Insurance Policy – The adjuster closely reviews the policy to confirm coverage limits and exclusions that may impact the settlement offer.
- Determining Fault and Liability – Using all gathered evidence, they assess whether the property owner was negligent or if the claimant shares any responsibility for the fall.
Finally, based on their findings, adjusters may offer a settlement, often aiming to resolve the claim for the lowest possible amount.
Common Tactics Adjusters Use to Deny or Minimize Slip and Fall Claims
Insurance adjusters often use various tactics to minimize or deny legitimate slip-and-fall claims. They may argue that the property owner had no prior notice of the hazardous condition, shifting blame away from their client. Adjusters frequently scrutinize medical records to downplay injuries, claiming they were pre-existing or not as severe as reported.
Surveillance footage and social media activity may also be monitored to dispute the extent of the claimant’s injuries or prove they were engaged in physical activities inconsistent with their claims.
Another common strategy is delaying the claims process, hoping financial pressure will push the claimant to accept a low settlement. Adjusters may also pressure victims into making recorded statements, often leading them to inadvertently downplay their injuries or admit partial fault. Additionally, they may argue that the claimant was not paying attention, wore inappropriate footwear, or acted negligently, reducing or eliminating liability.
To counter these tactics, claimants should document everything thoroughly, avoid giving recorded statements without legal counsel, and seek medical attention immediately to establish a clear record of their injuries.
Contact Salamati Law for a Free Consultation
If you were seriously injured due to a property owner’s negligence, you need an experienced Los Angeles Slip and Fall Lawyer at Salamati Law. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today. Since we work on a contingency basis, you pay no fee unless you receive compensation. While most slip and fall claims are settled, we may take your claim to court if the insurance company fails to agree to a reasonable settlement amount.
