Legal Question in Personal Injury in Georgia

I slipped and fell outside of a restaurant last night due to poor lighting. The restaurant filed an accident report last night, and this morning their insurance company called me. I have a bruised and swollen knee, and my other knee has a large abrasion. It is somewhat painful to walk down stairs. I wasn't planning on seeking medical treatment. The insurance co. asked me what I wanted to settle the claim, and I didn't know what to answer. Should I ask for some sort of financial compensation?


Asked on 11/16/10, 10:35 am

3 Answers from Attorneys

Glen Ashman Ashman Law Office also dba Glen Ashman Attorney

First of all, do NOT talk to the insurer.

Number one - go to the doctor today (you SHOULD have gone last night). Any delay in treatment may cause the insurer to seek to deny your claim. That is vital for two reasons: (1) you want to get needed care and (2) you want to preserve your legal rights.

Depending on the severity of your injury you may have a claim for actual damages and also pain and suffering. The insurance company will often try to cheat you if you do not get a lawyer so it is vital that you get legal counsel. Feel free to call me to discuss this at 404-768-3509.

Read more
Answered on 11/21/10, 11:27 am
Scott Riddle Law Office of Scott B. Riddle, LLC

It would not hurt to see a doctor, and the insurer would likely pay for it before you contact the insurer again. If you really need some treatment based on the exam, they probably would pay for that too. If it is just a bruise and scrape, get reimbursed for the exam and treatment and move on. If you want to turn a bruise and scrape, or minor pain that will heal in a few days, into a big legal issue, obviously you can do that too and give a lawyer a large portion of the recovery -- if any (since at that point the company is probably blaming the fall on you).

Read more
Answered on 11/21/10, 11:56 am
Clark McGehee Johnson & Ward

See a doctor to determine the extent of injury, and be sure to request IN WRITING that the restaurant preserve any surveillance video (these are normally taped over every 30 days). If the injuries are serious or require further medical treatment you should call an attorney for a free consult.

Read more
Answered on 11/22/10, 10:26 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Personal Injury Law and Tort Law questions and answers in Georgia