A slip and fall accident are a serious matter. It is a common source of injury especially for older people. In some cases, this type of accident can even lead to death.
In many instances, a slip and fall accident can happen in your home. However, this form of accident can occur in shops, restaurants and even in the homes of other people. When this happens, it is the responsibility of the other party to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. In cases where the court decides that the property owner is culpable, you will definitely get adequate compensation. Below are seven things you should do after a slip and fall accident.
Get Medical Help
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, the first thing you should do is see a competent medical doctor. Remember that some injuries might not be immediately obvious. This is particularly true about injuries to the head and internal bleeding. For this reason, you must ensure you get a proper diagnosis so that you get the best treatment available. Consulting a medical doctor after a slip and fall accident is not just for your health. You need to see a medical expert immediately after the accident because it will improve your chances of getting the right compensation when the matter goes to court. The smart move here is to see a doctor within 48 hours of the accident and make sure your visit to the doctor is recorded.
Report the Accident
In the context of this article, reporting the accident does not mean going to the police. Reporting the accident here simply means you should report what has happened to the business owner, the property manager of whoever is in charge of that building at the time the accident occurred. Make sure you have this report in writing and keep your own copy of the said report. You should send a written account of the circumstances of the accident to the company’s HR executives and follow all the recommended procedures to the letter. Among other things, your report should include where the accident happened, the extent of your injuries and the exact cause of the accident. In addition, your report should include the response of the security people in the premises on the day the accident happened.
Be Organized; Keep a File
After the slip and fall accident, you need to be organized. Keep a file of all the official communication between you and representatives of the property owner. Remember that the matter might go to court and when this happens, you need extensive paperwork and documentary evidence. It follows that you should keep notes that might help your case in court. You also need to file statements and other relevant information concerning the slip and fall accident. Some of the documents you should have in your file include receipts, doctor’s letters, bills and official communication between you and the representatives of the company you are dealing with at the time.
Take Photographs
You can make your case stronger if you have photographs of the accident site. As you probably know, pictures don’t lie, and a picture is worth a thousand words. It follows that you can strengthen your case if you have pictorial evidence. In this context, photos of loose steps, holes in the carpet, uneven flooring and puddles are important because these things can help your case. In addition, photographs of your injuries such as bandages, a neck brace or a cast will help you in court.
Talk to Witnesses
The testimony of witnesses to the accident can be extremely useful to you. Ensure you get a recorded statement from credible witnesses immediately after the accident. This is important because the statements you get immediately after the accident from eyewitnesses will be extremely useful later.
Look After Your Own Interests
You have no reason to feel guilty if you are trying to get justice from a company that was responsible for your accident. Even if the company in question is a small firm, the point is that the company will not pay you compensation. The insurance company will pay you and these firms have enough cash to pay you any amount of money the court awards in your favor.
Be Careful with The Insurance Adjustor
The insurance loss adjuster is one professional you have to avoid if you can. This expert is in business to pay you as little as the insurance company can get away with so you should be incredibly careful. Do not sign any documents provided by the loss adjuster and do not make any statements to the representative of the insurer without the authorization of your lawyer.
Finally, you should have the right legal expert in your corner. This is because a competent and experience slip and fall accident lawyer will help you get the compensation you deserve.
