How Should You Respond to a Slip and Fall Accident?
If you've ever suffered a fall in public, you know it can hurt your pride as well as your body. However, it's important to remember that a slip and fall accident can lead to serious and costly injuries that can potentially impact you for the rest of your life. Because the consequences can be so severe, it's critical to understand what steps you should take immediately following an accident to protect your right to recover fair compensation for your damages.
Why Do Slip and Fall Accidents Occur?
According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), falls are the leading cause of accidental injury, accounting for over 20% of all emergency room visits nationwide each year. Unfortunately, fall risks exist almost anywhere you go, from grocery stores and restaurants to workplaces and friends' homes. While property owners are responsible for fixing dangerous walking surfaces or warning visitors of potential hazards, many do not, and this can lead to tragic consequences for victims. Some of the most common reasons for falls include:
- Wet floors.
- Poorly maintained sidewalks.
- Items left in walkways.
- Loose handrails or steps.
- Inadequate lighting of hazardous areas.
What Six Things Should You Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?
A slip-and-fall accident can be embarrassing and painful. It can be challenging to think rationally in the moments after your accident, but how you respond to the fall can directly impact your ability to recover damages for your injuries. These are six steps you can take to safeguard your rights and increase the likelihood of receiving a fair settlement:
- Identify the cause: Determine what made you fall, whether it was a slippery step, a cord across a walkway, or another hazard. Check if there were visible warning signs or anything else that indicated that the area might be dangerous.
- Gather evidence: As soon as possible, take photos of the accident scene from several directions. This captures the state of the area at the time your injuries occurred.
- Get contact information from eyewitnesses: Witness accounts can be critical to the success of your case. Try to get the address and phone number of anyone who saw the accident so they can be contacted later.
- File an accident report: If you slipped and fell at a business, you should complete an accident report describing the incident and request a copy. If your request is denied, take a photo of the report.
- Seek prompt medical attention: This is the most crucial step for your case. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, you should see a doctor for an immediate evaluation to document the severity of your injuries and establish their cause.
- Contact a trusted slip and fall attorney: Property owners and their insurance companies don't have your best interests at heart. An attorney can help you get the settlement you deserve.
What Role Can an Attorney Play in Your Slip and Fall Case?
Taking proper steps after your accident can help your claim, but proving fault in a slip-and-fall accident can still be challenging. Insurance companies will frequently offer victims much less than their claim is worth, or they may try to pin the fault solely on the victim. An experienced attorney knows how to thoroughly investigate your case and collect the evidence required to build a strong claim. If you've been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact our law firm today to learn how our knowledgeable attorneys can help you: (702) 444-3228.