What Should I Do if I Have Been Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident?

States have different laws governing slip-and-fall lawsuits. From one state to the next, there can be big differences in who is responsible, what the victims are entitled to, and how the lawsuit is handled. 

There are specific regulations that outline the obligations of businesses and safeguard individuals from accidents like slips and falls. When these rules are violated, and someone gets hurt, a business or private property owner could be held financially liable for your injuries.

If you slipped and fell on someone else’s property, you should talk to a personal injury lawyer to learn more about how to file a claim to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. In the meantime, let’s explore what to do after you have a slip-and-fall accident to help you protect your rights.

Protecting Your Claim After a Slip-and-Fall Accident

It’s essential that you take steps to safeguard your claim if you’ve been hurt in a slip-and-fall incident. If you take the proper measures following an accident, you should be able to get the financial compensation you need to recover from your injuries.

After a slip and fall accident, here are some things you can take to ensure that your claim is properly handled:

Seek Medical Attention

Get help from a doctor right away. A doctor’s visit will confirm that you were hurt in a fall, and your medical records can prove that you went to the hospital. Listen carefully to your medical professional’s advice, and be sure to follow their treatment orders.

Report the Accident

Make sure your fall is reported right away. Fill out an incident report or get in touch with the property owner and/or residents in some other way. Request a copy of the accident report, whether it was written by the company or the police.

Document

Document the accident scene and your injuries with photographs. There should be images taken at the slip-and-fall location if at all possible. If there was an uneven step or a wet floor, these dangerous conditions can serve as evidence.

You should also take pictures of any injuries you have. The proof you gather to prove your injuries and the unsafe conditions can make all the difference in a personal injury lawsuit.

Keep Receipts

Make a folder to store receipts and other financial documents. Don’t forget to keep receipts and document the total amount spent on medical care and other expenses since the fall. You should also save records of any insurance company correspondence.

Preserve Valuable Evidence

Keep everything you were wearing when you slipped and fell. The clothing you were wearing when you fell shouldn’t be cleaned. These clothes will be used to support your claim.

Make sure you keep anything you wore when you fell. Any attire, footwear, or accessories you were wearing at the time of the accident should be included. Avoid cleaning them because they may be needed as evidence in your claim.

Don’t Agree to a Recorded Statement

It’s crucial to keep in mind that accident victims will likely hear from the owner’s or business’s insurance adjuster. They’ll present themselves as having the injured person’s best interests in mind.

In practice, however, these insurers care only about reaching the lowest possible settlement. Victims’ chances of receiving a payout are significantly reduced if they provide any information to the insurance or sign any documents provided by the insurer.

The victim should allow their lawyer to communicate with the insurance company rather than answer questions directly.

Use Caution on Social Media

Be very careful when using social media. Don’t share details about your fall on social media or other online forums. Be careful what you post until your case is completed, as the insurance company may try to use anything you say against you.

Talk to a Lawyer

The most important thing for you to do is call a lawyer. At our scheduled meeting, we may discuss the specifics of what happened, your concerns or questions, and the options available under the law.

Slip and fall accidents can be complex, and the laws that govern them will vary from state to state. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and determine whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation.

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Does the Presence of a Warning Sign Affect My Right to File a Claim for Damages After a Slip and Fall Accident?

By posting wet floor signs, establishments attempt to protect themselves from legal action in the event that a customer slips and falls. Although posting a wet floor notice may lessen the legal obligation for slips and falls that occur, it does not relieve them of all duty in the event of such accidents.

The presence of wet floor signs is no guarantee that a court will rule in favor of a property owner who failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent an accident. They only prove that a claimant was informed of a risk.

While a wet floor sign may have been present at the time of an accident, it does not prevent the victim from filing a claim for damages in a premises liability lawsuit if they hurt themselves in a slip-and-fall accident.

Get in Touch with a Law Office Regarding Your Slip and Fall Incident Today

The state’s premise liability legislation holds all entities, including businesses, homeowners, and others, to a high degree of visitor safety. It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure the safety of the public area.

Do not be frightened into thinking you have no case by the insurance company or property owner. You should never accept anything less than what you truly deserve.

If you or a loved one has been hurt because of someone else’s negligence, you should contact Viles & Beckman today. We have accumulated a wealth of knowledge that enables us to take on any case, regardless of how complicated.

Call or text (239) 334-3933 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form