Categories: Lifestyle

Steps To Take After A Slip And Fall Accident

Whether you’ve fallen in a store, a different type of business, or someone else’s house, you may be able to recover some compensation to cover any medical bills you’ve incurred since the accident. The experts at Grillo Law can help you take the right steps after a slip and fall accident to make sure your rights are protected and ensure you get the settlement you’re entitled to.

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Step 1 – Seek Immediate Medical Attention

This step is critical because you need to have your injuries treated and documented. Even if you don’t feel like you’ve been injured, you should still see a medical professional because injuries associated with slip and fall accidents can show up days, or even weeks after the incident. Seeing a doctor right away ensures prompt treatment of any conditions or potential conditions and helps you avoid disputes about your injuries if you decide to file a claim.

Step 2 – File An Accident Report

You will want to file an accident report with the business or property owner at the time of your accident. This is to make sure they are aware that you fell on their property and that you are going to seek treatment. The business or property owner should want you to fill out the forms required to take a report because it also protects them. If they resist, you may need to involve the police to ensure a report is on file.

Step 3 – Get All Contact Information Possible

Not only should you get the name, address, and phone number of the business or property owner, but you should also obtain the contact information for that company’s or person’s insurance company. Sometimes, when people or businesses are negligent, they stop communicating with you once you leave, so you need to get this information as soon as possible. You should also get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses who can be difficult to track down later.

Step 4 – Take Photographs

Always photograph any injuries you received from the slip and fall accident so you can prove you were hurt after they heal. It’s also important to take pictures of the scene where you fell, including any dangerous situation that caused the accident. Do this as soon as you can so that the business or property owner doesn’t have a chance to fix the problem first. This will be vital to proving your case.

Step 5 – Remove Your Clothes And Keep Them Somewhere Safe

Your clothes could become important evidence at a trial or for a settlement. Remove them as soon as you get home, don’t wash them, and keep them in a safe place.

Step 6 – Contact An Accident Attorney

Negotiating a settlement with the negligent party’s insurance company could be tricky, so you’ll want to retain an experienced accident attorney as quickly as you can following your slip and fall event. They will investigate your claim, give you advice, take steps to preserve any evidence, and negotiate a settlement on your behalf. They will also go to court and argue your case if that becomes necessary.

Conclusion

You really can’t prepare for a slip and fall accident, but you can take steps after you’ve suffered an accident to protect your rights. Don’t let the chance to hold the negligent party accountable pass you by.