What Should You Do if You Were Injured in a St. Louis Premises Liability Accident?
You must prove the business or property owner’s negligence caused your premises liability accident to be entitled to compensation for your injuries under Missouri law. The actions you take right after your accident can directly impact the strength of your claim. Here are crucial initial steps that our premises liability lawyers recommend you take:
#1: File an Accident Report
You should file an accident report with the property or business owner immediately after your premises liability accident. Filing a report puts them on notice of your claim and will help you prove that you were injured on their property if the insurance company disputes this.
#2: Take Care of Your Health Right Away
Even if you believe your injuries are minor enough to tough out or don’t think you were hurt, you should be examined by a physician promptly after your accident. Why is this important? You may not realize you suffered a back, spinal, or traumatic brain injury for days or weeks after the accident. Your injuries could worsen or become life-threatening if they are not treated quickly.
In addition, the insurance company could argue about the cause of your injuries or their severity if you delay getting medical treatment. Don’t give them ammunition to deny your claim or drag out settlement negotiations.
#3: Preserve Evidence at the Accident Scene
You should start collecting evidence that can help you win your case at the scene of your premises liability accident. Take photos of where you were injured, any hazardous conditions that may have caused your accident, and your injuries. Also, get the contact information of the owner, their insurance company, and any eyewitnesses who saw your accident occur.
#4: Consult With an Attorney
One of the most vital first steps you should take is to retain a premises liability lawyer at Bollwerk & Associates, LLC. Here are some of the ways we will fight for your rights:
- Gather evidence. We’ll collect the evidence you need, such as business surveillance footage, eyewitness statements, accident records, and medical records, to establish your right to compensation.
- Evaluate your claim. Our legal team will give you an honest evaluation of your claim, answer your questions, and explain your options using non-legalese language you can understand.
- Communicate with insurers. Our attorneys will take over communications with the insurance company and the process of filing your claim and negotiating your settlement.
- File a lawsuit. Our premises liability lawyers will file a lawsuit if the statute of limitations to sue under Missouri Code §516.120(4) is approaching or the insurance company refuses to offer you what you’re entitled to.