At a certain point in life, the majority of people will experience a trip, slip, and fall accident. Unfortunately, they likely won’t even be at fault for the accident. Given that slips, trips, and falls can occur anywhere and to anyone, it’s critical to know what to do after one. Slip and fall incidents ranked as top 3 causes of avoidable injury-related fatalities. Slip and fall accidents are 26% of all workplace injuries according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nobody expects to slip and fall when they leave their homes. If this unfortunate event happens to you, you might experience confusion and distress. Without proper help, it can be difficult to navigate the legal system to get compensation.
Lawsuit Involving a Slip and Fall
According to the National Flooring Safety Institute, 8 million visit hospitals due to slip and falls. Slips and falls account for 12% of all falls and one million ER visits on their own. Yet, not every fall qualifies for a slip and fall lawsuit. You must prove that the property owner is to blame for your injuries to pursue a claim. This entails demonstrating negligence.
Your ability to receive a reasonable settlement for your losses may depend on what you do. You can take precautions to guard yourself. More so, your capacity to recover if you are aware of what to do in the event of a slip and fall. Here’s what you should do following a slip and fall incident.
Receive Medical Care
One of the most crucial things you can do following a slip and fall accident is this. In some instances, injuries aren’t always obvious. A doctor can help identify specific issues and suggest a course of action. It serves to establish credibility in your complaint if you see a doctor right away. If you neglect getting help, the defense will attempt to argue your obtained injuries. They will dispute that it is not from your slip and fall incident.
Inspect the Location of the Slip and Fall
You must look around as much as you can, even though you might be in a state of shock and discomfort from falling. You can then determine what brought about your fall. The moment your slip and fall happens is the ideal time to try to identify what caused it. Take a look around. If you can identify what caused your fall, you can go back and figure out what the owners could have done to stop it.
Report and Document the Accident
Even though the jury can hear what the witnesses have to say, it is more effective if they can view the photos. Take pictures of the scene even if you’re unsure of what you’re capturing. Write down the exact time and date of the incident, what you were doing before it happened, how you fell. A larger settlement may be possible if you can show the jury visual evidence.
Get the Contact Details of Any Witnesses
Witnesses are necessary to support your account of the events. It’s crucial to obtain their contact information so you can call them and ask them to testify in your favor. Gather all potential witnesses’ names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. If you settle to file a lawsuit, their testimony could support your case. When you work with an attorney, they will contact witnesses. They’ll request a thorough written statement from them. Even if there are no witnesses, you might still have a compelling case for compensation.
Work with Your Attorney
There are many benefits to hiring a personal injury attorney if you experienced a slip, trip, or fall accident. An experienced legal team is your best ally when considering legal action. Trust a reputable law firm since many slip, trip, and fall cases are challenging to establish. They have the skills, expertise, and track record to get you the compensation you’re due.
The Bottom Line
The actions you do after a slip-and-fall accident are crucial to receiving a settlement for your claim. Verification and documentation are key to maintaining and supporting your slip and fall claim. After a slip and fall, start gathering proofs that support your story. Consequently, get immediate medical attention, take pictures, and find witnesses. It is best to start working with a skilled personal injury attorney as soon as possible. They have knowledge of how to maximize recovery in slip-and-fall cases.
We at Viciti Law are more than a law firm. We are advocates for the injured and harmed. Seeking justice and fair compensation for injuries is what we do. We have the expertise to assess your case and fight for your best interest. Quite simply, we will not be satisfied until you are. At the end of the day, we are here to reach solutions that work for you. Let us make things right for you. Do you need legal assistance? Contact us today and schedule a free consultation.