Bogus Slip & Fall Claims on the Rise Nationwide

Across the United States, slip and fall accidents account for countless injuries each year. Although most claims are valid, in recent years, it has been discovered that there is a rise in the number of questionable lawsuits that are being waged against unsuspecting businesses. In 2011, there were 2,168 insurance claims that were submitted to the National Insurance Crime Bureau for investigation—which is up 12% from the previous year. Frank Scafidi, a spokesperson for the bureau, explains that "some falls are staged by unscrupulous individuals who target business and their insurance companies in the hopes of earning sizable paydays," and because of this, susceptible business owners are taking greater precautionary measures.

In a suffering economy, many speculate that these scammers are looking for a quick fix to their financial problems. In several cases of bogus slip and fall accidents, a restaurant-goer will purposely spill a drink on the floor, causing a liability, and then stage the scene of their injury. If the targeted business does not have video surveillance or a witness to the crime, they may be responsible for coughing up a sizable sum of money for the alleged victim. As a result, many companies are fighting back by taking certain preventative measures. If an individual is caught defrauding an insurance company and a falsely accussed business, they may face serious legal consequences.

With so much attention on this newly erupted, nationwide scam, the real victims of a slip and fall accident may now be put under a lot of unnecessary scrutiny. Because of this, it is vitally important to secure the services of an experienced personal injury attorney in the event that you have sustained a legitimate injury, as the responsible business and their insurer may try to refuse you payment of deserved compensation—even if you have a valid claim. Slip and fall accidents have been known to cause devastating and lifelong injuries—including back injuries, broken bones, and even brain and spinal cord injuries—so you should not hesitate to fight for the compensation that you deserve if you have suffered a similar fate. Contact our firm for more information.