4 Steps to Take After a Slip, Trip, and Fall Accident
Since things can go wrong anywhere, anytime, it pays to know your options after an accident happens, especially if you weren’t at fault. Buildings, parking lots, and walkways are all legally required to uphold safety standards. That responsibility is called premises liability. It means if someone’s carelessness or neglect of their property led to you getting seriously hurt, you could qualify for help with costs like medical bills, missed wages, and compensation for pain.
If you have been a victim of a slip, trip, and fall incident, here are four things you’ll want to do after an accident like that:
1. Report the Accident
It’s important to notify the proper people after an accident. Find the store manager, property owner, or landlord and tell them what happened. Ask them to document the incident in a report, make sure they include all the relevant details, and give you a copy before you go. Providing written details can help if you need documentation of the accident later.
2. Hire a Lawyer
When considering legal action, the most helpful person is a lawyer with experience. Since many trip and fall cases are complicated and challenging to prove, your best option is to work with a successful law firm like Shirvanian Law Firm, as they have the know-how, expertise, and history of results that can help get you the compensation you deserve. They can handle negotiations with insurance companies and represent you if the case goes to trial.
3. Document Everything
It’s key to gather details of anyone who may have seen what happened. Jot down potential witnesses’ names, addresses, phone numbers and emails. Their accounts could support your case if you decide to pursue it legally.
Snap photos of the exact spot where you fell. Get shots of stairs, icy areas, or any other factors that led to your accident. Note what you did right before, how you fell, and other specifics like the time and date.
Additionally, store the shoes and clothes you wore during the incident somewhere safe. They could end up being important evidence later on. Cover all the bases by recording events leading up to it, too. Similarly, it’s really important to get checked out by a doctor to ensure any injuries are appropriately documented.
4. Avoid Giving Statements
It’s best not to say too much. Stay calm, don’t point fingers at this stage, and don’t feel responsible. Just take some time to process things before discussing the situation further. Avoid posting any details on social media.
You’ll also want to hold off speaking to the insurance company until you’ve talked to a lawyer. The insurance adjusters will likely reach out soon after what happened, but their goal isn’t to check on your health. They want to either settle your claim for less than it’s worth or get a statement from you that says the property owner isn’t at fault.
Endnote
In closing, protect your rights after any slip and fall accident. Gathering thorough documentation and consulting a lawyer will help ensure you receive proper compensation if the property owner was negligent.
While it’s natural to want to discuss what happened, be cautious about what details you share until speaking with an attorney. Their guidance will help you understand your options and negotiate a fair resolution. With the proper legal support, you can focus on recovery, knowing your interests are represented.