The fact that a slip-and-fall accident can occur at any time is quite frightening. The victim can suffer a fall accident without any form of warning. These victims can suffer serious injuries, including spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury, and broken hips.
The pain that follows a slip-and-fall accident is often severe. Besides this, the medical costs that are associated with these accidents are high. This can result in a crushing financial burden.
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A slip-and-fall accident can also involve a person tripping or falling on someone else’s property. This could include a store or a sidewalk. It could generally be anywhere. There are situations when property owners ignore the dangerous conditions of their property. Then, they are bound to be held liable for the losses suffered by the victim.
Furthermore, you should understand the relevant steps that must be taken after such an accident occurs. This is particularly true when the fault is not yours. According to law, regular maintenance must be done on:
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Homes
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Parking spaces
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Buildings
This will ensure that accidents of any kind can be avoided. This responsibility is regarded as premises liability.
What is Premises Liability?
Premises liability implies that you could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills if you end up getting seriously hurt on someone else’s property due to the owner’s ignorance. Besides this, you are also entitled to time off work.
Various Reasons for Slips And Falls
There are many circumstances and different causes of a slip-and-fall accident. This section will look into these in detail.
Usually, a fall can occur when a person has no traction on a walking surface. It may also happen when a person trips over a step or an object. Some falls happen from specific heights. However, others can occur on a level surface. This can be due to any of the following reasons:
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Snow or ice on the ground
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Oil surface
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Broken floors
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Torn carpeting
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Poor lighting
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Debris on the floor
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Missing steps
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Uncovered cables
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Broken or uneven sidewalks
If any of the above reasons are behind the incident on someone else’s property, you can decide to contact a slip-and-fall lawyer for the injury to explore your legal options. This could help you recover compensation.
The Aftermath of A Slip And Fall Accident: Steps To Take
If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, it is imperative to remember the necessary steps you can take once the incident happens. Some of the relevant steps to take are discussed in this section. This will help you build the best possible legal case.
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Contact A Slip and Fall Lawyer
You need to contact an attorney when you decide to consider a personal injury lawsuit. Having an experienced slip and fall lawyer by your side will help you make various informed decisions. After all, a lot of slip-and-fall incidents can be difficult to prove due to their complexity.
You will be best served when you have a good attorney that can help facilitate personal injury protection. With this wealth of knowledge, you can easily recover the personal injury settlement you deserve.
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Seek Medical Treatment
Your health is the priority at any given period. Whenever there is a slip-and-fall accident, the first thing you must consider is your health. When you get hurt, the first thing you should do is see a doctor. This will ensure that your injury is not just treated, but is also documented. These medical records are relevant evidence that can help you get compensation for your injuries should you seek it.
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Report the Accident
Regardless of where the slip occurs, be it on a sidewalk, in a store, or at a workplace, ensure that you report the accident to the property owner or the manager. As you do so, it is also important that the details of the incident are put into writing. You can do so by asking the owner to make a written report. Then, you can make a request for a copy.
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Document Everything
You should ensure that the names, addresses, and phone numbers of potential witnesses are gathered. The statement they give could be helpful in proving your claim if you wish to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Pictures of the exact location must also be taken. These should include the various conditions that contributed to the accident. Ensure that you pen down how you fell down, what you were doing before you fell, and other relevant details. You can also keep the clothing and shoes you were wearing during the accident in a safe place. They may end up being relevant evidence.
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Decline to Give Statements
Restrict the access your property owner or manager might have to communicate with you. Ensure that you remain calm. Do not be tempted to post any details of the incidents on social media. Until you have spoken with your lawyer, do not give any statement to your insurance company.
Compensation You Could Receive
You are entitled to compensation if you suffered from a slip-and-fall accident due to the negligence of the homeowner. There are various types of compensation for your injuries that you can receive. This compensation is not restricted to:
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Lost income
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Medical bills
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Physical pain
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Mental anxiety
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household help
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Loss of life quality
Yet, it is only possible to recover compensation when you can prove that another person is responsible for the incident. The negligence in this kind of case can be tough to prove. After all, there is a need for compelling evidence to reveal the fault. A slip-and-fall lawyer can prove helpful while navigating the legal issues around the claim.
Conclusion
A slip-and-fall incident warns no one. It can happen anywhere and anytime. In fact, not every slip-and-fall incident can result in a personal injury claim. If someone trips on someone else’s property due to their carelessness or bad footwear, they have to pay their own medical bills, as well as other injury-related expenses. You can hire the service of a top personal injury lawyer to help you navigate the entire legal proceedings.
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