Legal Question in Personal Injury in Georgia
Falling in restaurant
It was raining, no rugs at the entrance, water on floor and I fell. The assistant manager said the rugs were ''probably out being cleaned.'' He asked if I was OK and I told him I thought so but that I really hit hard on my left hip and elbow. I filled out one of their comment cards and mailed it to let them know what happened and they need to keep a rug at their entrance. I just got a call from the manager of the store asking some questions and said their insurance company would contact me next week. I did not seek medical help since I was sure I did not have broken bones nor did I file a claim with this restaurant. I did bruise my left hip, elbow and shoulder and was very sore for several days but I am OK now. Why is the insurance company contacting me?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Falling in restaurant
While I can not speak for the restaurant or the insurance company, it is probable that they want to get feedback from you indicating that you do not believe you are injured as a result of what happened, that you missed no time from work and incurred no expense. They may also try to ask you other questions. Get the callers name, title and phone number and let them know that for now, you would prefer not to talk to them about it. This is part of their risk management control to keep their expense of paying claims down. I don't want to worry you; however, sometimes the effects of the type of accident that you had can show up later on; hence, you may want to see your physician now to make sure there is no evidence of hidden damage.
Re: Falling in restaurant
I agree with Mr. Ashman. Don't talk to anyone from the restaurant before you see your physician and talk to a lawyer.
Re: Falling in restaurant
They are worried you might sue or be injured and remember that everything you say will be used against you. It was a bad idea to send in a comment card and it would be a worse idea to talk to the manager or to the insurer. What you should do in such a case is get a thorough checkup to be sure you are okay, and then to be safe talk to a lawyer. By dealing with this as you did, if you do turn out to have some hidden injury, a suit may be harder or even be lost where it might have been winnable. As another lawyer mentioned, it is possible for injuries to show up later, and gaps in treatment are red flags for insurers, so see a doctor ASAP to be safe.
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
