.2211171605550.jpg)
Slip and fall accidents can be both scary and dangerous. Losing your balance or tripping over an uneven sidewalk may seem like clumsiness, but some slips, trips, and falls are the result of poor property upkeep, defective products, or other forms of negligence. The law requires property owners to maintain their buildings, homes, or community spaces. A visitor should be able to safely travel through these areas, and the owner’s responsibility to their visitor is known as premises liability. According to the law, premises liability means the property owner is responsible for the medical bills, damages, pain, and suffering of a victim injured due to their property’s negligent care.
Top 3 Things to Do After Slip, Trip, and Fall Accident
Being injured in a slip-and-fall accident can be traumatic, and you could be knocked unconscious or unable to leave the property without assistance. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be left vulnerable and confused. If you or someone you love has been involved in a slip-and-fall accident, there are several things you can do to protect yourself and your legal interests.
- Get Checked by a Medical Professional: If you or someone you love has been injured in a slip and fall accident, your first goal is to ensure you or your loved one is okay. Were you checked at the scene? Do you need follow-up care? If you or your loved one was injured in a fall, meeting with a doctor is important to your health, and your visit will be added to your medical record. If you initially felt fine after the incident, but later your health took a turn for the worse, your doctor will be able to show a record of your exam. The post-accident medical record is an important piece of evidence that details the impact of the fall and the victim’s physical state after the fall.
- Ensure Your Accident is Reported: Regardless of where you fall, you must make the person overseeing the property aware of the incident. Suppose you fell at a store; the manager should be contacted before leaving. You must request a report from a business (or an incident acknowledgment if it’s a private home).
- Create a File: Even if you never plan to pursue legal action, you should create a file with the contact information of all potential witnesses. You should also ensure you’ve taken photos, which can make a huge difference if you later need to describe the conditions around the property at the time of your accident. These details cannot be recreated, so collecting evidence at the time of your incident is imperative. You should also document the shoes and clothes worn during the accident.
An Attorney Can Help You Seek Compensation After a Slip and Fall Accident
It’s not uncommon for slip-and-fall accident victims to feel conflicted about seeking legal assistance after an incident. An attorney can help you review your choices and help you determine what would be in your best interest. Once you hire an attorney, they will complete all the necessary paperwork should you decide to pursue legal action to ensure that you meet all filing deadlines and obligations. An experienced attorney will have the knowledge needed to help you reach the most positive outcome in your particular case. Call us today at (404) 969-1284 to schedule a consultation if you are interested in pursuing legal action after a slip and fall accident.
