Being the victim of a slip-and-fall can be embarrassing. It can also be confusing to know what to do next if you suffered injuries. Unfortunately, slip and falls are very common around the world. In some cases, the accident could have been avoided if certain measures were taken by those in charge of the premises you fell at.
What To Do After Experiencing A Slip and Fall?
Because some slip and falls lead to serious injuries or even death, someone must be held responsible if the premises where the accident occurred was not kept clear of hazards or reasonably safe. If the accident happened on someone else’s property or a place of business, the victim may be entitled to compensation for the injuries they have sustained. This is especially true if the accident was caused due to someone else’s negligence. To have the best chances of getting compensation, you need to take certain steps after your slip and fall. Below are some of the steps to take, and time is of the essence.
- Call For Help
After having a slip and fall accident, it is important to call emergency services if you are hurt. It is best to err on the side of caution even if you are unaware of the extent of your injuries. Contacting emergency services can help prove the legitimacy and seriousness of your injuries when trying to take the case to court for compensation.
- Document The Scene
When you slip and fall, a lot of things seem to happen at once. The last thing most victims remember is what led up to their slip and fall. However, simply documenting the scene as best as possible can help you better achieve a positive result. This can be done while you are waiting for emergency services. Take pictures if you can.
- Witnesses
If anyone was in the vicinity of the accident scene, ask them for their names and contact information. If they happened to see you fall, they may be able to report and attest to the conditions that may have led to the slip and fall. Try to get a statement from any witnesses as soon as possible so their memory is fresh. Additionally, get contact information from any manager or property owner of the location where you had your accident.
- Contact A Reputable Attorney
Once your injuries are taken care of by emergency personnel, it may be in your best interest to contact the help of a personal injury attorney. They will help you understand your rights regarding the situation and have the best chance of getting you the compensation you deserve. Give them all of the information you gathered after your slip and fall.
Who Holds Responsibility After A Slip and Fall?
It can often be difficult to determine who is responsible for a slip and fall accident. Some businesses may be owned by a single person, and others may be owned by multiple people. Because of the complexities of the law, a lawyer will be your best bet and will help guide you through the process of placing a claim. Depending on the state your slip and fall accident happens, you may find that all defendants are required to respond and pay their fair share of the injury costs.
Even if you are partially responsible for your fall, you may still be able to file a claim and get compensation. During the case, your lawyer will need to gather enough information and evidence to prove some hazards should have been corrected and they led to your accident. Following the previous steps will help you and your lawyer build a solid and winnable case.
If you slip and fall and get injured, you don’t have to suffer the consequences if you are not at fault. Get help proving the property owner did not carefully keep up their premises and remove the hazards that led to your injuries.
0
0