Most people don’t know this, but you can file a claim for compensation for injuries in case of a slip and fall accident at a shopping mall, in a convenient store, or on a slippery sidewalk. Whether it is a stairs fall, shower fall, or sidewalk fall, you can enlist a personal injury lawyer to form a legal case against the property owner.
Notably, it is the responsibility of the property owner or manager to ensure that their property is in a safe condition for the occupants. In case you slip, trip, or fall due to the negligence of the property owner, you have a right to claim compensation for your injuries.
However, the steps that you take immediately after a slip and fall accident will determine whether your case can be admissible in a court of law. Here are vital steps that you should take after a slip, trip, and fall accident.
Obtain medical treatment
When involved in a fall accident, you should first seek medical attention. This will go a long way to deal with any emergencies. The doctor should be able to record and file your injuries accordingly. The medical report will later act as part of vital evidence when claiming for compensation.
Report the accident
Make sure that you report to the manager or supervisor on duty concerning your injuries incurred in the store or shop. The manager should write a detailed rendition of the accident and issue you with a copy of the report. However, this step can be tasking, given that some managers may be hesitant to document the accident. If this is the case, you should file your report with the police.
Document the details
You should collect and record all the details of the unfolding of the accident. This will include taking photos of the location, the outfits you were wearing, and any visible cuts or bruises to document your injuries. You should also write down the happenings of the accident, such as what you were doing and how it happened. Remember to collect the name, address, and phone number of any witnesses, in the event, your case ends up in court.
Avoid making a statement
Never go public about the accident. Instead, you should limit your conversation to the property owner or manager so as not to compromise the strength of your case.
Enlist a personal injury attorney
Slip and fall accidents are best handled by a personal injury attorney. The lawyer should be able to guide you on what you need to do and inform you on how they will handle the case for you to recover your compensation.
A qualified attorney should be able to:
- Handle all the confusing paperwork on your behalf
- File a slip and fall accident case appropriated within a given time
- Contact the property owner or manager if need be
- Breakdown everything for you and update you on any developments in the case
- Negotiate compensation for out-of-court settlements