4 Immediate Steps To Take In A Slip-And-Fall Accident

Slip and fall accidents can lead to injuries that cause severe physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress. In this case, a victim may require expensive and time-consuming treatment.

Besides, they may also be unable to work temporarily or permanently after an accident. As a result, the victims can’t provide for themselves or their families. In worst-case scenarios, a slip and fall accident can be fatal. Losing a loved one in this manner can be traumatizing.

The law allows you to seek compensation if you or a loved one recently were involved in a slip and fall accident resulting from someone’s purposeful or negligent act. The money awarded should help you recover the losses and damages you might have experienced. Working with a lawyer who handles slip and fall cases is usually best. A good attorney raises your chances of winning and getting fair compensation. 

Below are the steps you should take immediately after your slip and fall accident. These can also raise the likelihood of winning your case and being awarded just compensation. 

• Seek Medical Treatment

The first step after slipping and falling is to seek medical treatment. If you can’t move, call an ambulance if you can access your phone. If you can’t reach your gadget, ask a passerby to help you. 

If you can move, don’t feel any pain, or can’t see any physical injuries yet, don’t ignore going to the hospital. Usually, after an accident, adrenaline encourages your body to release endorphins, which numb your pain for hours or days. However, once this chemical reaction subsides, you can feel severe pain. 

Failing to seek medical attention can also negatively affect your case. The defendant’s team can claim that your injuries didn’t result from your accident. Also, they might say you weren’t seriously hurt. This can lead to a smaller settlement than you deserve. 

Going for a checkup allows a professional to diagnose your injuries. Magnetic resonance imaging scans, x-rays, and other tests can help detect head, spinal cord, and bone injuries. These and your doctor’s notes can serve as helpful evidence in your case.

• Record Details Of The Accident 

Next, you should record everything about the slip and fall. You can do this as you wait for an ambulance if possible. Some of the things to note down are: 

• The location, time, and date of the accident
• The names and contact details of the witnesses
• The condition of the accident scene
• The condition of the building where the accident occurred
• The reaction of the building’s owner or manager to the incident

If you first went to the hospital, write down any details you can remember or return to the accident scene and record anything relevant. Also include pictures of your physical injuries or your bandages and casts.

Be specific as possible in your records. What were you doing and wearing, where did you go, and how did the incident occur? Was the floor slippery, wet, or uneven? Were there potholes in the parking lot? Were there defects on the pavement? Was the floor mat torn? Were there any obstructions around the scene? If yes, was there a warning sign?

Recording everything you can recall about your accident as soon as possible is vital because memories fade fast. You may forget some important details that can help you in your case. If there are things you don’t remember, like exactly how many people were around, note them down too. 

It’s best not to wash or dispose of the clothes and shoes you wore during your accident. These can serve as crucial evidence. Instead, store them safely in a ziplock bag. If they’re wet, let them air dry first. 

• Report The Incident To The Building Manager Or Owner

If the commercial or residential building’s manager or owner wasn’t around during the accident, you should notify them of your incident. Ensure they write an accident report and keep a copy of it. 

If you first went to the hospital, don’t forget to call the property manager or owner to ask them to fill out an accident report and send you a copy. This can serve as additional evidence. 

Remember that they’ll likely be the defendant in your case, so you have to be careful when conversing with them. Do not give a copy of your medical records, and do not agree on anything, including making a recorded statement. 

• Hire A Lawyer 

After doing all the above, you should hire a lawyer. This is essential because property owners tend to hire the best lawyers and have insurers who’ll deny your claim. The defendant’s team can intimidate or trick you into withdrawing your case or taking a smaller settlement. 

A good lawyer will protect your rights, prove liability, gather the right evidence, and fight for your deserved compensation. If the defendant’s team gives a smaller initial settlement, your attorney will reject it. If they don’t offer something better and you don’t agree, your attorney will proceed to court. If they do, they’ll use their best resources, experts, and strategies to win your case.

Final Thoughts 

You’ll likely be in pain and confused about what to do after a slip-and-fall accident. In this article, you’ve learned four vital steps you should take. As advised, you should seek medical treatment immediately, record everything about the incident, and report the incident to the building’s manager or owner. Lastly, you should hire a lawyer. 

These four steps can improve your odds of winning and getting just compensation. If you need more clarification, review this article as often as needed.

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