People stumble, trip, and fall all the time. In most cases, they get up, brush themselves off, and continue on their way with nothing more than a bruised ego.
In serious slip-and-fall accidents, though, a bruised ego is the least of the victim’s concerns. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, slips and falls are responsible for more than 1 million emergency department visits annually.
If you were recently admitted to the hospital after getting hurt in a premises liability accident, turn to the Jackson slip and fall attorneys at Coxwell & Associates. We will evaluate the circumstances of the incident to determine if you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Call (601) 265-7766 to schedule a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer.
Read on to learn what you should do in the aftermath of a slip and fall accident to give your claim the best possible chance of success:
1. Seek Medical Care
It is critical to visit a doctor following a slip and fall accident regardless of how you feel because some kinds of injuries have latent symptoms. If you sustained even a minor traumatic brain injury, for example, it may not be obvious to you or those around you, but it will require continuous monitoring until the concussion improves.
Seeking care immediately after the accident will also contribute to the strength of a subsequent claim. Your injuries will be noted in your medical record, so the opposing party will not be able to argue that you contributed to their severity by postponing treatment.
2. Report the Incident
If you fall at work, you will need to report the incident to your supervisor as soon as possible to remain eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Those who fall on commercial premises, on the other hand, should report it to the business owner, landlord, or manager on duty and should ask for a copy of the incident report in writing before leaving.
3. Document Essential Information
If there were any eyewitnesses, get their names and contact information so your personal injury lawyer can obtain their statements when building the claim. You should also write down everything you remember about the accident, photograph the progression of any wounds, and
track all expenses associated with treating the injuries. Those who do not require emergency medical care should take pictures of the scene before leaving, as well.
4. Decline to Provide a Statement
The liable party’s insurance provider may contact you shortly after the incident to obtain your statement; however, it is wise to avoid speaking to anyone—especially the opposing party—until you have contacted an attorney.
5. Obtain Legal Counsel
If the first call you make after a slip and fall is to your doctor, the second should be to a personal injury lawyer. Once your health has stabilized, call an attorney so you can start building a strong claim.
Call 877-231-1600 to Speak with a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Jackson Today!
If you sustained serious injuries after slipping and falling on someone else’s property, turn to the personal injury attorneys at Coxwell & Associates as soon as possible. Taking immediate action allows a lawyer to investigate the claim while all of the evidence is still available and has not been altered. Call (601) 265-7766 or click on the button below to schedule a free consultation.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for general information purposes only, and is not a substitute for legal advice. Anyone with a legal problem should consult a lawyer immediately.