No matter how cautious you are, there can be instances when you might get injured in a slip-and-fall accident. Unfortunately, this type of accident may be scary and result in serious injury. On top of struggling with physical pain, you may also have to worry about medical expenses piling up, other financial woes, and the fact that you can’t work to earn a living.
Fortunately, being injured in a slip-and-fall accident doesn’t have to be a complicated process. Suppose you believe the accident was a result of someone else’s negligence. In that case, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim with the help of a lawyer from a firm like Christy Thomasson Injury Attorney to recover compensation for your injury and other losses. But to improve your chances of getting a favourable outcome, you should follow some steps to protect your rights and best interests.
Read on to learn the five-step guide to dealing with a slip and fall accident.
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Get Yourself Checked By A Doctor
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, seeking medical attention immediately is essential. Even if you believe you only have a minor injury, getting yourself medically checked is still best. A proper diagnosis and treatment from your doctor can prevent the progression of your injury. For example, if the accident caused a ruptured vein, immediate medical care can help stop excessive blood loss and other serious medical complications.
Moreover, getting assessed and treated by a medical professional can also make a massive difference in the success of your injury claim. When you go to the doctor, you can have access to all your medical records, which can be used to prove how your injury occurred.
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Report The Incident
After seeking prompt medical attention, the next step is to report the incident to the appropriate authorities. If a slip and fall accident happens in a commercial establishment, it’s best to call an employee to come and assist with the situation.
Report what happened and make sure they create a written report about the accident. Remember to ask for a copy of the report, as you might use it when you file a personal injury claim.
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Collect The Necessary Evidence
Gathering evidence when you’re injured in a slip-and-fall accident is essential. You can use it to your advantage when you decide to initiate an injury claim and receive compensation for your losses. Some pieces of evidence that you should gather include:
- Photos or videos of the accident scene;
- Witness statements confirming the circumstances of the accident;
- Medical records and other documentation, such as x-rays, prescriptions, and doctor’s findings;
- Expert testimonies.
With these in mind, you can ensure less hassle in filing for a slip-and-fall accident.
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Consider Legal Advice
With the injury and losses associated with a slip and fall accident, it’s crucial to seek legal advice from a reliable lawyer. By consulting a lawyer, you’ll know whether you have a cause of action to sue the alleged at-fault party.
Generally, being injured by someone else’s negligence may be a ground for filing a personal injury claim. As such, you can talk to a lawyer and ask for an initial evaluation of your case. After assessing the circumstances of your case, your lawyer can advise you on the next course of action to take to protect your rights and interests.
If you decide to file an injury claim, they can help by preparing the paperwork, negotiating with the insurance company, and representing you in court whenever necessary. So, if you want to deal with a slip-and-fall accident without any hassle, you can hire a reputable lawyer as soon as possible. With them in your corner, you can focus on your physical recovery while they handle the legalities involved in your case.
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Do Not Do Anything That May Jeopardize Your Case
Now that you’ve decided to file a personal injury claim, you shouldn’t do anything that may jeopardize the success of your case. When it comes to injury cases, the opposing party will do everything in their power to reduce your compensation or have your case dismissed.
Because of this, it’s important to be extra careful with your actions after the slip and fall accident. For example, you should avoid making statements about the incident and anything that may place the blame on anyone. If you’re active on social media, avoid discussing your accident and case on social media platforms and other digital channels. After all, any post or comment may be used against you.
Conclusion
Slip and fall accidents can be serious. It can cause life-threatening injuries, such as brain injury, broken bones, internal bleeding, and, in extreme cases, death. For this reason, it’s important to know what to do if you’re in the situation.
Thankfully, dealing with a slip-and-fall accident doesn’t need to be tricky. By keeping this guide in mind, you can handle the accident’s aftermath more seamlessly and get on with your life in no time.
