Filing a civil suit over an accident on someone else’s property often involves a complicated and stressful process, even under the best circumstances. However, your claim can become even more complex—and more importantly, much harder to resolve favorably—if you lack the experience with personal injury litigation needed to recognize what actions to take or avoid during these legal proceedings.
Because most people lack the legal knowledge required to navigate personal injury litigation effectively, working with a skilled premises liability attorney could be crucial to achieving a successful outcome. This article discusses a brief overview of major mistakes to avoid in a Lake County premises liability case so you can anticipate the kinds of missteps that might inadvertently derail your pursuit of compensation.
Failing To Gather Evidence at the Scene
One minor preventable error you can make at the start of a premises liability claim in Lake County is allowing someone to remove or deliberately hide important evidence at the scene before you gather it for your case. Taking photographs of the accident site, preserving the clothing and shoes you wore, and identifying nearby security cameras can each provide your attorney with crucial information to support your claim.
Not Getting or Keeping Up With Medical Treatment
Delaying an initial doctor visit for even a few days after suffering harm from a dangerous property condition can severely damage your chances of civil recovery, as opposing counsel will almost certainly argue that your injuries do not warrant the level of compensation you seek. If you skip follow-up appointments or ignore your doctor’s treatment recommendations, they will likely use those decisions against you in the same way. These missteps represent some of the most common avoidable errors individuals make during Lake County unsafe property lawsuits.
Why Should You Avoid Admitting or Implying Fault for an Accident?
It is perfectly normal for you to express regret after an accident, even when you did not contribute to its cause. However, if you intend to pursue a premises liability claim, you must take deliberate steps to limit any suggestions that imply you were responsible or contributed to the incident. Making such remarks is an avoidable mistake that can compromise your legal standing and weaken your Lake County property injury claim.
Not Being Careful With Insurance Companies
One last big mistake to avoid during a Lake County property negligence claim is assuming that insurance companies prioritize your best interests or plan to treat you fairly. When you agree to a recorded statement without a legal obligation, accept a settlement offer prematurely, or offer too many unnecessary details during a conversation with an adjuster, you risk receiving far less compensation than you deserve.
Contact a Lake County Attorney To Learn More About Errors To Avoid During Premises Liability Cases
Of course, identifying which mistakes to avoid in a Lake County premises liability case is useful, but applying that knowledge to build a successful legal strategy requires extensive experience and preparation. Unfortunately, those who attempt to pursue compensation alone often have difficulty overcoming the legal and procedural obstacles associated with these types of claims.
If you were injured on someone else’s property due to their negligence, our capable premises liability attorneys at Largey Law Firm are here to help. We could guide you through the legal process and strengthen your likelihood of achieving a favorable outcome from your case. Call today to schedule a consultation.