Legal advice regarding my fall.....

squeshia22

Hey yall from the recliner!  Thanks so much for all da love I have gotten from you - how much I wish I wasnt in this right now.  BUT I am and I have to deal.  ANYWAYS - I got a call from the insurance company of the hotel that I fell at yesterday regarding the accident.  I got asked all kinds of questions about the fall, what I was wearing, if I had any other slip/fall claims, work comp claims, about my lenght of recovery, etc.  I was wondering should I retain a lawyer??  The lady said they would pay all out of pocket medical bills (YAYAYAYAYAYAYAY), but would have to investigate whether they were liable for the accident.  Well - there was no caution sign, the walkway was not salted nor was it cleaned off.  I am not out to get paid believe me b.c no way was this my intention - but I am out of work for at least 2 weeks and am unsure of how its going to go after the surgery.  WWYD? 

derky17

I really have no advice for you Squeesh--I'm sorry.  I'm just bad at things like this.  I just hope you get it figured out without the frustration that some others have had with insurance companies!

squeshia22

derky17:

I really have no advice for you Squeesh--I'm sorry.  I'm just bad at things like this.  I just hope you get it figured out without the frustration that some others have had with insurance companies!

Thats what I am afraid of.  I have never had to go through this so I dont want to be screwed over. 

Timscutie01

I would absolutely retain a lawyer.  The reason they are offering to pay for all medical bills it they want you to accept that as final.  Be careful because they, most likely, will not pay for your bills until you sign a waiver releasing them from liability for anything further.  I don't want to sound cynical but I don't want you to get screwed out of at least compensation for lost wages and medical coverage. 

squeshia22

Timscutie01:

I would absolutely retain a lawyer.  The reason they are offering to pay for all medical bills it they want you to accept that as final.  Be careful because they, most likely, will not pay for your bills until you sign a waiver releasing them from liability for anything further.  I don't want to sound cynical but I don't want you to get screwed out of at least compensation for lost wages and medical coverage. 

THANKS!  Getting on the phone now!!!!

Mrs.LLG

Something similar happened to my mom, she fell at a grocery store. Insurance people called her asking the same type questions they asked you, what she was wearing, type of shoes, outstanding claims,etc. They offered to pay all her medical bills (which were extensive because she tore her rotator cuff in the fall). She did not have a lawyer (I'm not telling you you don't need one, just what her experience was). After all was said and done and mom and the insurance company were sure all the medical bills were taken care of, they offered her an additional settlement to release them from any future liability - basically so mom couldn't come back and sue. It was a pretty hefty sum (and was not asked for by any means by my parents) in addition to the medical bills they had already taken care of. Basically $ for her pain and suffering and lost wages. 

veronicacorningstone

Absolutely do not agree to anything or sign anything without speaking to an attorney.   You'll want to make sure you are protected for your medical bills and lost wages.    Sorry you're going through this. 

elissaann26

I would recommend at least talking to a lawyer.  Most of the time they will offer a free consultation.  And I strongly agree that you shouldn't sign ANYTHING without having a lawyer look things over.

squeshia22

Thank you girls!!!  All of the advice was helpful!!