Slip and Fall Injuries in California: The Veteran’s Guide
By Space Coast Daily // March 9, 2019
A slip and fall incident leading to injuries can be a highly unpleasant situation in itself, but when a veteran is involved, who may be already dealing with certain health issues, either physical or mental, the scenario becomes even more sensitive.
The state of California has certain regulations when it comes to slip and fall cases, and compensation can be obtained if the right means of action are being taken.
If you have currently dealt with an accident of this kind, and you have veteran status, getting a few insights on the subject might help you pursue the right approach, and handle the matter in the most effective and advantageous way. Here are some things you should know:
You shouldn’t be at fault for the accident
The first thing you need to know on the topic is that in order to actually make a slip and fall claim and receive compensation, the incident that has led to your injuries should not have been caused by your own willful misconduct.
The scenarios in which a claim within this category is rejected usually involve alcohol or illegal substance abuse. If you were under the influence, when the slip and fall accident occurred, you will not be considered eligible further veteran benefits.
It’s important to analyze the situation thoroughly and to be certain that the entire situation was caused by something out of your control. While in California the law remains favorable to slip and fall, victims, there are strict rules that need to be taken into account.
Work with an attorney
The entire process of making a claim can be highly daunting. Things get even more complicated when you are severely injured. For disabled veterans, extra support will naturally be needed on the matter.
Because not pursuing the right actions can result in claim disapproval, it’s best if you consider requesting professional assistance. Slip and fall attorneys provide the needed services for individuals involved in accidents of this sort, veterans included.
There are plenty of powerful reasons why working with an expert is the right move to make. They have the necessary expertise to take care of every single detail in order to increase the likelihood of you receiving your desired compensation.
Because a fall and slip attorney has collaborated with many other individuals in your position, they will know how to adopt the right strategies and approaches, and less stress will fall on your shoulders. They have the experience and legal knowledge it takes to win this type of cases.
Without specialized support, you will encounter various issues and might not get the amount you would have normally been entitled to.
Search for a professional, but make sure you choose wisely. Find out details about their longevity in the industry, read testimonials and ask for referrals and also make sure the said attorney values proper communication. Working with someone you actually like can make this entire process less overwhelming.
Gathering proof and documents
The paperwork involved in making a claim can be the trickiest part here. Because you will need to provide the institution that analyses your case with proof of the accident, incident causes and also have documents related to the time you spent on active duty for the military, you should look into the subject with precise care, and make sure you have all the paperwork in order.
Even a single missing piece of documentation can reduce your odds of accessing compensation, so this isn’t something you should be taking lightly. Depending on where the incident has happened, you can request reports or ask the support of those who might have witnessed the entire event.
Medical proof of injury severity will also be something you need to hold – ask your healthcare provider to give you a copy of your records. Make phone calls, read law updates, request information from the right authorities, do everything you can to build a strong and viable case.
Claim compensation might be higher for veterans with VA benefits
Service members injured while on active duty are usually provided with financial support. If you already have a disability that has been triggered during your years of military service, the amount you may be able to access for a slip and fall incident may be a bit higher.
Authorities acknowledge the sensitive situation veterans with VA benefits find themselves in, and in California, various laws underline the relevance of proper veteran care.
Discuss with your attorney and see if, as a former military service worker, you can benefit from a more advantageous claim process or compensation. Your lawyer will keep you up to date in regards to the laws applying to veterans, but you should do a bit of research on your own as well, and see if your VA benefits can increase due to recent events.
Taking the case to court
There are scenarios in which a simple claim does not bring a reasonable amount. If your claim is either disapproved, or you believe the financial benefits granted aren’t exactly just, perhaps you should consider taking your case to court.
Sometimes, a simple agreement is not sufficient for severe slip and fall incidents, and instead of accepting an amount that does not cover medical expenses and other costs that might have been triggered by the accident, you should think about opting for this last solution. Your attorney will be able to tell you if you have a strong case and could have a shot at winning in court.
As you can see, slip and fall cases can be easier to say on top of than you may have imagined, as long as you are thoroughly informed and actually follow a few relevant guidelines.
Certain regulations in California favor veterans, but you are still required to follow a few steps in order to access the amount you are entitled to. Keep into account the suggestions and info presented here, and make sure you work with a legal expert who can help you handle the matter by the book, and benefit from the claim outcomes you desire.
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