Lawyer vs. Insurance Company

Why You Shouldn’t Handle a Slip and Fall Claim Alone

After a slip and fall accident in NYC, many victims are tempted to deal directly with the insurance company. But doing so without the support of a slip and fall lawyer can put your health, finances, and future at serious risk. Insurance adjusters may seem helpful, but their job is to minimize payouts, not protect your rights. This article explains why having legal representation is essential when pursuing a slip and fall insurance claim, especially in cases involving premises liability.

The Hidden Agenda of Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are not neutral parties. Their main goal is to protect their profits, and that often means offering minimal compensation or denying valid claims altogether. Here are some common tactics they use:

• Deny liability by blaming the victim for the fall
• Downplay injuries or argue they are pre-existing conditions
• Push quick settlements before the victim knows the full extent of their injuries
• Request recorded statements that can be used to weaken the claim

Without a slip and fall injury attorney, you may unknowingly fall into these traps. Insurance adjusters are trained to settle claims quickly and cheaply, not fairly.

Why You Need a Slip and Fall Lawyer

An experienced attorney levels the playing field and helps you avoid costly mistakes that could affect your future. Here is how a slip and fall lawyer from Cohan Law Firm can protect your interests:

Prove Liability Through Solid Evidence

Slip and fall claims hinge on proving the property owner’s negligence. Your lawyer will gather key evidence to support your case:

• Photos of the scene and conditions that caused your fall
• Surveillance footage, if available
• Incident reports and maintenance logs
• Medical records and expert evaluations
• Witness testimonies

All this evidence helps demonstrate that the negligent property owner failed to maintain safe conditions, leading to your injury.

Negotiate With the Insurance Adjuster

Insurance adjusters are skilled at making their offers seem fair. But a slip and fall lawyer knows how to calculate the true value of your damages, including:

• Medical expenses, both current and future
• Lost wages due to time off work
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or long-term care needs

With legal representation, you’re far more likely to receive a settlement that reflects the full extent of your losses.

Prevent You From Saying the Wrong Thing

One of the most dangerous mistakes victims make is giving a recorded statement to the insurance company. Anything you say can be twisted and used against you. A lawyer will handle all communications and paperwork, ensuring nothing compromises your claim.

Avoid Accepting a Lowball Settlement

Initial offers from insurance companies are often far below what your claim is worth. A seasoned attorney from Cohan Law Firm can recognize an unfair offer and fight for a better one. If necessary, they can prepare to take your case to trial.

The Risks of Going It Alone

Some victims believe handling their own slip and fall insurance claim will save money. In reality, they often end up:

• Settling for far less than they deserve
• Missing key deadlines that bar them from compensation
• Failing to gather proper evidence
• Misunderstanding how NYC premises liability laws work
• Overlooking potential third-party liability (e.g., contractors or building managers)

Even a small error can dramatically reduce or eliminate your compensation. Legal procedures in NYC can be complex, and without guidance, you might be outmatched by the insurance company’s legal team.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is the area of law that holds property owners responsible for accidents on their property. To win your case, you must prove:

• A dangerous condition existed
• The property owner knew or should have known about it
• They failed to fix it or warn you in time
• Your injury was caused as a direct result

There are also legal classifications to consider. For instance, were you an invitee (like a customer in a store), a licensee (like a guest), or a trespasser? These distinctions affect your rights and the owner’s duty of care.

A qualified slip and fall injury attorney understands these nuances and will build a case that reflects the facts, the law, and the unique context of NYC regulations.

Common Places Where Slip and Falls Occur in NYC

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, but in a bustling city like New York, certain places are high-risk:

• Grocery stores with wet floors
• Sidewalks with cracked pavement or ice
• Subway stations with slippery platforms
• Apartment buildings with broken staircases or poor lighting
• Restaurants with spills left unattended

In all these cases, Cohan Law Firm can help determine liability and pursue compensation.

How Much Compensation Can You Receive?

Compensation depends on the severity of your injury, the impact on your life, and the strength of your evidence. With a strong case, you may be entitled to:

• Full reimbursement for medical expenses
• Ongoing therapy or rehabilitation costs
• Lost earning capacity if you can’t return to work
• Pain and suffering damages
• Punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence

Our team at Cohan Law Firm has recovered substantial settlements for NYC clients injured in slip and fall accidents. We fight to make sure no money is left on the table.

Why Choose Cohan Law Firm?

At Cohan Law Firm, we specialize in helping injury victims across NYC. Our attorneys:

• Know how NYC courts and insurance companies operate
• Have a proven track record in slip and fall compensation claims
• Offer compassionate and personalized legal guidance
• Work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win

Call to Action

Speak to a Slip and Fall Attorney Today

Don’t let an insurance company decide what your injury is worth. At Cohan Law Firm, we stand up to insurance tactics and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Schedule a Free Consultation now and let us guide you every step of the way.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship.