Costly Mistakes Victims Make After a Charleston Slip-and-Fall Injury

A slip-and-fall injury in Charleston can happen in a restaurant with slippery floors or a poorly maintained hotel lobby. Although seeking legal action for these types of personal injury cases seems straightforward, victims can still make mistakes that harm their claims.

If you are experiencing injuries after a slip and fall accident, contact our Charleston slip and fall attorneys at Roden Law to learn about your potential legal rights. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your potential legal options.

Call now to learn more: 1-844-RESULTS

Leaving the Scene Too Quickly

The moments right after a fall matter most. Many victims, embarrassed by their fall, rush to leave without documenting crucial evidence. Stay at the location long enough to:

• Take clear photos of the hazard that caused your fall
• Capture images of any warning signs or their absence
• Get contact information from witnesses
• Report the incident to property management or staff
• Document weather conditions if outdoors
• Note any surveillance cameras in the area

Failing to Document Everything

Your memory fades faster than you think. Smart documentation immediately after a fall provides vital support for your claim. Beyond photos, preserve:

• The exact time and date of the fall
• The clothes and shoes you wore
• Names and badge numbers of responding staff
• Any immediate symptoms or pain
• What you did before, during and after the fall
• Conditions that contributed to the hazard

Skipping Medical Care

Many victims avoid seeking immediate medical attention, hoping their injuries will improve on their own. This mistake hurts both your health and your legal case. Prompt medical care:

• Creates official documentation of your injuries
• Establishes a clear link between the fall and your injuries
• Prevents defense claims that something else caused your injuries
• Helps prevent your condition from worsening
• Shows you took reasonable steps to address your injuries

Providing Recorded Statements

Insurance adjusters often request recorded statements shortly after an accident. They present this as routine, but these statements frequently harm victims’ cases. Avoid giving statements until you:

• Understand the full extent of your injuries
• Have consulted with a qualified attorney
• Know your legal rights and options
• Can think clearly about the incident
• Have gathered all relevant evidence

Posting on Social Media

Social media posts can hurt your slip-and-fall claim. Insurance companies monitor victims’ accounts looking for information to dispute injuries. Protect yourself by:

• Avoiding all accident-related posts
• Not sharing photos of activities
• Setting accounts to private
• Asking friends not to tag you
• Declining to discuss your case online
• Waiting until your case resolves to resume posting

Accepting Quick Settlement Offers

Insurance companies often make swift, lowball settlement offers hoping victims will accept before understanding their rights. Early settlements rarely account for:

• Future medical expenses
• Long-term rehabilitation needs
• Lost earning capacity
• Ongoing pain and suffering
• Future complications
• Required lifestyle modifications

Waiting Too Long to Act

South Carolina law gives slip-and-fall victims three years to file a lawsuit. However, waiting can severely damage your case. Prompt action ensures:

• Evidence remains preserved
• Witness memories stay fresh
• Surveillance footage does not get deleted
• Property conditions remain documented
• Medical records stay readily available
• Maximum time for case preparation

Not Keeping Medical Appointments

Missing doctor appointments or ignoring medical advice damages credibility and recovery. Consistent medical care demonstrates:

• The seriousness of your injuries
• Your commitment to recovery
• The ongoing impact of your injuries
• The need for continued treatment
• The validity of your pain claims
• The extent of your limitations

Handling Things Alone

The complexity of premises liability law in South Carolina makes self-representation risky. Without legal guidance, victims often:

• Miss filing deadlines
• Overlook crucial evidence
• Fail to identify all liable parties
• Miscalculate claim values
• Accept inadequate settlements
• Make statements that harm their case

Not Documenting Financial Impact

Many victims focus solely on medical bills, overlooking other financial effects. Track all expenses related to your fall:

• Lost wages and benefits
• Transportation to medical appointments
• Prescription medications
• Medical equipment
• Home modifications
• Hired help for daily tasks

Downplaying Injuries

The urge to appear tough or minimize injuries often backfires. Telling doctors you feel “fine” or downplaying symptoms can:

• Create misleading medical records
• Make future treatment harder to justify
• Reduce settlement values
• Damage your credibility
• Limit recovery options
• Hurt your quality of life

Property Owners and Liable Parties Claims

Property owners may claim you contributed to your accident by ignoring safety measures. Protect your case by showing you:

• Used handrails when available
• Wore appropriate footwear
• Paid attention while walking
• Avoided restricted areas
• Heeded warning signs
• Used reasonable caution

Take Legal Action and Contact Roden Law for Help

After a Charleston slip-and-fall injury, reach out to our experienced lawyers who can help you through the legal process. We understand how complex these types of cases can be.

If you work with us, we will work tirelessly to investigate your case, gather evidence to help you prove negligence and handle all communication with insurance companies on your behalf. Do not risk making costly mistakes that could jeopardize your claim.

Contact us today for a free consultation and let us put our knowledge and resources to work for you.

Call to schedule your consultation: 1-844-RESULTS