While it’s unfortunate, it’s true – many folks suffer a slip and fall accident at some point in their life. The likely accident won’t even be their fault. However, any such incident can injure the sufferer and keep him from his work and regular activities. Since injuries can take place anytime anywhere, it’s important to be aware of the necessary slip and fall injury tips to take following an accident. Having handy info beforehand saves a lot of hassles later.
Steps to take after an injury
Many folks don’t bother about the incident. They just visit a doctor and pay off the medical bills. In some cases, the injuries could be fatal. If this is the case, you may end up breaking your bank account. However, a little bit of knowledge can avert a lot of financial issues and bring your life back to normalcy. Here’s a checklist that may help you.
Seek medical treatment
Your health ought to be your utmost priority after sustaining injuries. Even if the injury is minor, you should consult a doctor. Some people leave a minor injury to heal on its own. However, a minor wound can quickly manifest into a major issue if left unattended. Make sure that you turn to a suitable doctor so that your injuries are treated. Seeking doctor’s help also documents your injuries properly. Those medical records serve as important pieces of evidence if you wish to seek compensation from the defaulting person.
Report the accident
Whether you sustained bodily injuries on a sidewalk, in a store, or at someone’s house, be sure to report it to the landlord, manager, or owner of the property. Don’t forget to get the details of the accident in writing. Ask the owner, landlord, or manager to make a written report, and get a copy before you leave the place.
Document everything
Collect the names, phone numbers, addresses, and email addresses of witnesses present at the accident place. Their testimonies could prove your claim when taking legal action against the defaulter. Plus, take photos of the exact location where you fell. Capture photographs of icy patches, stairs, or other conditions that triggered the incident.
Write down what you were doing at the place, how you fell, and the time and date of the incident. Additionally, store the clothing and shoes you wore during the incident in a safe place. They might be suitable pieces of evidence later on.
Don’t give statements in public
After the accident, try to be calm and limit your conversation with the property manager or owner. Don’t post any details of the incident on social sites. Don’t take blames and don’t place blames. Above all, don’t give any statement to an insurer unless you’ve contacted an attorney.
Call a lawyer
An experienced lawyer is the best person on your side when taking legal action against the defaulter. Remember, slip and fall cases are complex and extremely difficult to prove. If you follow a do it yourself approach, you won’t win the case. You’re best served by the time and resources of a successful lawyer. So, be sure to contact a reputed lawyer who specializes in such suits.
Final thoughts
Slip and fall incidents can be physically and mentally tiring. As well as affecting your mobility, such accidents can keep you from taking part in daily activities. Most importantly, you’ll have to expend a lot of money on treating your injuries. However, you may get rid of all such issues by following the above slip and fall injury tips. With useful details, you’re all set to get through the problem and seek compensation.
