What To Do If You Have A Slip And Fall Accident
Topics: personal injury, Compensatory Damages, slip-and-fall
Slip and fall accidents are both painful, shocking, and unfortunately more common than you may think. Thousands of people are injured in slip and fall accidents, which also amounts to thousands of dollars in hospital bills. In fact, the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death is slip and fall accidents. According to the National Safety Council, 34,673 people died in falls at home and at work in 2016.
If you can prove you were not at fault for the accident, you can receive monetary compensation for your injury. However, what you do after a slip and fall accident has a great impact on both your physical recovery and financial recovery for your injury. It’s crucial to address a potential claim as soon as possible, but what are the first steps if you have a slip and fall?
1. Seek Medical Help Immediately
If you were involved in a slip and fall incident, seeking medical attention should be your first priority. Slip and fall accidents can have resulting complications ranging from just being sore to severe head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and bone fractures. It’s important to address these injuries as soon as possible.
Additionally, it’s very important to see a doctor as soon as possible after an accident so your injuries can be properly documented. These medical records will be integral to building a potential case since they will prove the timing of your injuries. Having a medical expert’s opinion on your injuries is important as well since they may notice symptoms of serious injuries that otherwise may go unnoticed.
2. Report the Accident
After receiving medical attention, you should make it a priority to report the accident. Depending on where the accident happens, such as a store or a friend’s house, report the event to a manager, owner, or landlord. Ask the owner to make a written report and then request a copy so you have the records. The more records you have about your slip and fall accident, the more accurate your case will be in court.
If the business wants to make an official accident report for their records, make sure not to add any embellishments. Be honest as possible and provide the necessary, vital information.
3. Document the Scene
Inspect the scene of the accident as soon as you can. Check and see what could have caused your slip and fall to see what store owners, employees, or property owners could fix to prevent another fall in the future.
If you’re considering building a case, taking photos of the scene will be a powerful tool for the courtroom. Having evidence that the jury can see and not just visualize can be a significant factor in your case.
4. Determine Witnesses
Witnesses are crucial to support your version of events. If your slip and fall accident occurred in a store, it’s important to approach other customers if they witnessed the incident and ask for their contact information. These witnesses can provide a brief explanation of what they saw and give further credibility to your claims.
Though not having third-party witnesses isn't essential, the more witnesses you have, the more likely your case will stand.
5. Keep A Record
Keeping a written record is critical for remembering key moments. Your memory may fade more quickly than you realize, so as soon as you can, write out exactly what happened. Keeping a written journal or computer notes will help you remember even the smallest details.
A written record can also keep you updated on your recovery progress. and help track your pain and symptoms. A slip and fall accident may lead to injuries that develop over time, so it’s important to record when your symptoms either worsen or improve.
6. Work with an Experienced Attorney
The immediate steps you take after your slip and fall injury is crucial to getting fair compensation for your claim. Slip and fall accidents can be very complex in court and require extensive documentation and verification. Taking these steps to prepare the adequate amount of evidence to support your case is critical for verifying your story.
From receiving medical records to verifying witnesses, there’s a lot that goes into a slip and fall injury case. It’s important to prioritize working with an expert attorney who has the experience working with slip and fall cases. An attorney can build upon your case and help make the claims process a smoother experience during an already difficult time.
At Lowman Law Firm, our experienced attorneys can gauge how much your eventual claim will be worth, as well as how your proceedings will be handled in court. Our slip and fall lawyers can help you prove negligence in the case and help recover the money that you deserve. We have the knowledge and experience in slip and fall injury cases to help you receive justice and compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and the pain and suffering you have endured. Contact us today and let us help you get back on your own two feet after a slip and fall.
