Fairly common, slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries and should not be taken lightly. The causes vary widely, but if it’s a suspected case of negligence, it’s important to take the necessary steps and seek legal representation.
It’s best to understand that these events shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you suffered damage, you need to take legal action immediately. We have provided an overview of what to do following a slip and fall accident:
Establish the Facts
Were there slippery surfaces or any materials that may have blocked your path leading to your accident? Make sure you thoroughly record each detail of the accident, including who was present at the time and what caused it. Additionally, be sure to take pictures of the scene and get a medical report showing the extent of your injuries. All these facts will help pinpoint who is liable for any damages incurred and could come in handy if you decide to pursue legal action.
File a Report
The next step is to file a report with the responsible party or the authority in charge. Usually, most workplaces have an incident report form that needs to be filled out – which could, later, play a vital role in your claim. If your slip and fall happened on public property, there are specific laws and regulations (varying from state to state) that apply.
However, it’s essential to note that you must act quickly, as there are usually strict time limits that must be met to file a claim. And lastly, if your accident took place on private property, contact the property owner or manager and make sure there’s a record of the incident.
Also Read: Do Not Let A Car Accident Ruin Your Life: 5 Ways A Lawyer Can Help You
File a Compensation Claim
How you approach this step will also vary greatly depending on the circumstances of your injury and whether you decide to pursue legal action. Most workplaces and a few private properties have insurance policies in place to cover any damages or injuries that may occur on their premises.
A government entity will require that you provide specific information that shows how and where the accident happened, as well as the costs of your medical care. From there, they can decide to cover the medical bills and any other damages that you might have suffered. Moreover, if you face issues recovering compensation from your claim, and you are confident negligence was the cause of your accident, you may pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
Also Read: What Are Some of the Most Common Slip & Fall Injuries
Seek Legal Representation
A slip and fall injury doesn’t always mean that you must go to court to claim damages. However, if the other party or their insurer is hesitant to pay out the compensation, it’s best to seek legal advice from a personal injury lawyer who can help you navigate the legal steps.
They will look into any possible violations of safety laws, and ensure that you don’t miss out on the compensation that is rightfully yours. They know necessary to make sure your case gets pushed out. They can keep track of the details, so you don’t have to.
Conclusion
These types of accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. Understanding what steps to take afterward can help ensure that you are protected.
How you proceed will depend on the facts of your case and whether there was any negligence involved. Make sure to document the facts of the incident, file a report with the responsible party, and seek legal representation if necessary. That way, you can secure the compensation you deserve.
