If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall in Indiana, chances are the store’s insurance company has already reached out to you. They probably sounded helpful. Maybe they even asked how you’re feeling. It might have felt like they cared.
But here’s the truth: insurance adjusters are not your friends.
They are trained to sound friendly so that you trust them. Once they’ve built that trust, they try to get you to say things that could be used against you later. These statements might seem harmless at first, but they can significantly lower the amount of money you’re entitled to for your injury.
Let’s walk through what to expect and how to protect yourself.
Why Insurance Adjusters Call So Quickly
Insurance companies move fast for a reason. They want to talk to you before you hire an attorney. That way, they can gather information, record your statements, and start building a case that minimizes how much they have to pay.
They might ask questions like:
- “How are you doing? Are you feeling better?”
- “Were you looking at your phone? Were you in a rush?”
- “Had you experienced back pain before?”
- “Did you really need to go to the doctor that many times?”
They act like they’re making small talk, but they’re digging for ways to blame you or downplay your injuries.
Their Job Is to Pay You as Little as Possible
While your attorney’s job is to help you get every dollar you’re owed, the adjuster’s job is the exact opposite. Their goal is to settle your case for the smallest possible amount.
That doesn’t make them evil. It just means they’re doing their job. But that doesn’t mean you have to play along.
If you’re not careful, the things you say to an adjuster could come back to haunt you. Even casual comments like “I could’ve paid better paid attention” or “It’s not too bad” can hurt your claim. These statements can be used to argue that you were partly at fault or that your injuries aren’t serious.
The Truth About Preexisting Conditions
One tactic insurance companies love is blaming your pain on something from your past. Maybe you’ve had back problems before. Maybe you were already dealing with knee pain.
Here’s what matters: under Indiana law, the property owner takes the injured person as they find them. That means even if you had a prior condition, the property owner is still responsible if their negligence made it worse.
Don’t let the insurance company tell you otherwise.
They Will Try to Downplay Your Medical Treatment
Insurance companies often argue that your treatment was “too much.” They might say things like:
- “Most people only go to the doctor a couple of times after this kind of injury”
- “We don’t think all those physical therapy visits were necessary”
- “This isn’t a free-for-all”
That’s their way of trying to reduce your compensation. But you know your body. You know what hurts. And you have the right to get the treatment you need.
If your doctor recommended it, it matters. Don’t let the adjuster act like they know your medical needs better than a healthcare professional.
They Might Start Off Nice, Then Change Their Tone
In the beginning, the adjuster may call regularly just to “check in.” They might not even ask about the details of your fall for the first few calls. This is a strategy. They want to build trust before they start asking questions that work against you.
But once they’ve gotten what they need, their tone may shift. They might become less friendly, start ignoring your calls, or even flat-out deny parts of your claim. This is part of the process. They’ve gotten what they wanted and are now focused on closing the claim as cheaply as possible.
Hiring an Attorney Doesn’t Cost You Anything Upfront
If you’re worried about how to pay for an attorney, don’t be. Most personal injury lawyers in Indiana, including the team at the Marc Lopez Law Firm, work on a contingency fee basis. That means:
- You don’t pay anything upfront
- We only get paid if you win or settle
- If you don’t get paid, neither do we
This allows you to fight back without taking on more financial stress. It also means you’ll have someone in your corner who knows how to deal with insurance adjusters and isn’t afraid to push back.
Slip and Fall Injuries Can Be Serious
We’ve seen real people with real injuries after a slip and fall:
- A broken arm from slipping on icy pavement outside a store
- A fractured wrist after tripping on a cracked sidewalk
- Chronic back pain after falling on an unlevel restaurant patio
These injuries can lead to weeks or months of pain, missed work, and expensive medical treatment. And when bones are broken, the value of the case typically increases. Don’t let the insurance company minimize what you’re going through.
Here’s What to Do Next
If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall, here are a few steps to take right away:
- Get medical care as soon as possible
- Do not speak to the insurance adjuster without legal advice
- Avoid posting about your injury on social media
- Save any photos, clothing, or evidence related to your fall
- Call an Indiana injury attorney to discuss your rights
The sooner you take action, the better your chances of getting a fair outcome.
Make the Right Call
You don’t have to deal with the insurance company on your own. If you were injured on someone else’s property, it’s time to talk to a team that knows how to help.
Call the Marc Lopez Law Firm at 463-238-4579 today. Let us turn your frustration into compensation.
