What Happens if I Slip and Fall?

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Slip and fall accidents – they are troublesome especially since they can happen to anyone, anywhere. No matter what the season is, a slip and fall accident can take place. Most of us can suffer a fall at some point in our lives and it most likely will not be our fault.

 

Homes, parking lots, stores, buildings and walkways must have a certain level of safety for those who travel on these premises – this is what we refer to as premises liability. This means that if you get injured on someone’s property due to their negligence, you could be entitled to compensation for lost time at work, medical bills, and other out-of-the-pocket expenses.

 

Here are the first steps you should take following a slip and fall accident:

 

Seek medical assistance.

A victim of a slip and fall accident should be concerned the most about his or her health. Seek medical attention immediately and have all injuries documented. Doing so will provide proof should the victim choose to seek compensation for medical bills.

 

Report the accident.

If the accident took place at work, in a store or anywhere else, make sure you report it to the person in charge immediately. You should ask for a report to be made and make sure you obtain your own copy.

 

Take as many photos as you can.

It is essential to document the exact location where the fall took place. Include railings, stairs, ice patches or any other condition that might have contributed to the fall. It is also important to document the time and date of the accident. Remember, evidence can disappear and the conditions can change.

 

Get all available information.

If there are any witnesses to the accident, make sure to collect their names, contact information and addresses. This will definitely help you prove your story along the way.

 

Preserve evidence.

It also helps if the clothes and shoes worn by the victim during the fall are kept in a safe storage place. They can serve as relevant evidence at a later date.

 

Keep calm.

It is imperative that the victim keeps calm after the accident. It is best to limit communication with the property owner for the time being. There will be no use to get upset because it will not change what has already happened. What you should focus on is getting treatment for injuries.

 

Call an experienced personal injury attorney.

Should the victim consider legal action, it is best to have an experienced attorney on your side. Slip and fall cases can be challenging to prove so you need the resources of a trusted law firm. Call us at 1.855.905.9222.