There are nearly 230,000 slip and fall accidents a year. Slip and fall accidents are among the most common ways people are injured. Some of the time, the injury is your own fault, but occasionally another party may be liable for your slip and fall accident injury. If you suspect you or a loved one was injured in a slip and fall accident, and the accident was the fault of another party, you should become familiar with the steps you should take after such an accident occurs. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries if the other party is liable. From your top slip and fall lawyer, here's what to do if you have an accident.
After a fall, it might take you some time to regain your bearings. Once you recoup from the shock, identify if you have been hurt. Take whatever time is necessary to check yourself for injuries or pain. If you cannot get off the floor or any movement feels excruciatingly painful, seek the help of a bystander and do not attempt to get up or start walking away from the accident unless you would be in more danger if you were to stay in place. If you need more serious medical attention, you or a bystander should call for help or dial 911.
Once you are ok to do so, you look around carefully to figure out what led to the accident. You should document everything about the episode, such as what caused the slip and fall. Be sure to collect as many details as possible. Before the conditions change – such as an employee moping a spill—take pictures of the location. Also, look to see if a security camera in the area might show what happened in the incident. In addition, identify potential witnesses and get their contact information in writing.
Once you have inspected and documented what happened, report the incident to the property owners. Limit your communication with them and do not accept blame or assert that it is their fault. Both personal and commercial property owners are responsible for maintaining a safe environment. But if you are injured due to the property owner’s fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Seek the advice of an experienced slip and fall lawyer to help determine who is at fault and help assess the potential value of your slip and fall case.
Once the dust has settled, you should call a lawyer to help determine if you have a case. They will consider the cause of the slip and fall accident and assess what your financial recovery may look like. Also, an experienced slip and fall lawyer will help you navigate the intricacies of negotiating your claim and seek to maximize your financial interests. A lawyer can also evaluate taking your case to court if the insurance adjuster is not working with you on a fair settlement.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact an experienced accident lawyer to help determine your rights. Contact us to help.
