A “slip and fall” might sound like a mild injury. But falls can leave you seriously hurt with lifetime consequences. If your fall was due to someone else’s negligence, we might be able to help.
What should you do after a slip and fall injury?
If you get hurt on someone else’s property, the owner of the property might be apologetic and accommodating. However, you’ll probably find that their insurance company is anything but.
Insurance companies try to get away with paying accident victims as little as possible, and that can leave you with thousands in lost wages, medical bills, and more. If you want to preserve your chances of receiving a settlement as much as possible, make sure you do the following:
- File a Report to the Owner or Manager: If you’re hurt at a business, tell the person in charge — they should have a standard reporting procedure, and you need one to document the injury
- Identify the Cause: To file a claim, you need an explanation of what caused your fall
- Document the Scene: Photos and videos that show the hazard will prove to be valuable if you file a claim
- Get Witness Information: Ask witnesses for statements, or at least get their contact information so your lawyer can talk to them later
- Get Medical Help: This is important for safety, and if you don’t get medical help, the other side can argue that you weren’t hurt as badly as you claim
- Take Notes: Write down as many details as you can — it will help your case tremendously
If your injury is severe enough, you might not have the presence of mind or physical ability to take these steps. Don’t worry if that’s the case — your health and safety are the most important things. If an attorney takes your case, they can help you gather documentation later.