Involved in a Slip and Fall? ALWAYS Do THIS First
(RepublicanPress.org) – Accidents can happen to anyone, and it’s important to know what to do in the event one happens to you or someone you love. In particular, slip and fall accidents on someone else’s property require you to follow a certain set of steps to receive the maximum compensation you deserve from any neglectful party. The insurance company and your lawyer will need evidence of injury to support your claim, and doing things in the right order can mean the success or failure of a slip and fall case.
If you stumble and fall due to someone else’s negligence or from something beyond your control, here are some actions you should take.
After a Slip and Fall
Whether you slip on some ice while shopping or trip over a crack in the sidewalk, causing you to tumble, the first thing you should do is assess your injuries. If you don’t need urgent medical treatment, take pictures of the scene. Be sure to capture the circumstances that led to your fall and record the time and place in the notes section of your phone. These pictures could be invaluable in your future case.
On the other hand, if your injuries are severe and require emergency care, seek medical treatment first. An investigator can always come back to the scene later and take photographs to gather evidence.
Note that even injuries you perceive as minor require a medical paper trail, so see a doctor right away in order to document your injuries no matter their severity.
The next step is to tell someone about your accident, preferably at the scene. For example, suppose you stepped and fell on ice in front of a business establishment, tell an employee or owner about the incident and have them acknowledge that you spoke to them in writing. In the same vein, collect witness contact information from anyone present who witnessed the fall. Collect names and phone numbers, if possible, to call on them later during the investigation portion of your case.
In some cases, you might also want to contact the police and report the accident to establish a paper trail of evidence for your claim.
Before you call your insurance company, contact a personal injury attorney; they will advise you on what to say and what not to say about the incident. You want the insurance company to cover your injuries, so everything you say is critical to the success of your claim. Don’t allow a recording of your statement until you speak with a knowledgeable lawyer.
The Recovery
As you begin recovering from your injuries, keep a notebook full of every single step throughout. Include in your notes every doctor visit, how your injury affects everyday life, any losses you incur due to loss of work or mobility, and the recovery process itself. Make this information and any medical information available to your lawyer only. Follow the attorney’s expert advice as you recover and go through the legal process of collecting any compensation you deserve from your slip and fall accident.
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