Things to do After a Slip and Fall Injury Accident
Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran
Slip and fall accidents are often unavoidable, and when they lead to injury, serious health issues can arise. These include broken bones, spinal injuries, and head traumas, as well as less severe injuries. In addition to all the medical bills you’ll need to pay, you may also miss work, which can place a further financial strain on you and your family.
While slip and fall injuries may be common, they often result from the property owner’s negligence. If you’re injured in a slip due to negligence, you have the right to seek legal action and recoup compensation for medical expenses and even lost wages. An experienced slip and fall lawyer can help guide you and ensure you receive the maximum settlement possible.
If you’ve suffered an injury in a slip and fall accident, there are several things to do directly afterward to ensure your rights are protected.
Obtain Medical Treatment
The most important thing you can do after a slip and fall is to seek medical attention. Don’t delay as every second counts. While you may initially feel fine, injuries can show up later and cause more damage, pain, and suffering. It’s essential to be examined by a medical professional who can determine the severity of your injuries as soon as possible. According to the CDC, out of every five slip and fall cases, one results in a severe injury.
Report the Slip and Fall
As soon as you are medically able, report your slip and fall injury accident to the property owner or manager where it occurred. Put this in writing so it will be part of your case file to prove you took all necessary steps.
Avoid Discussing Blame
There are many factors surrounding a slip and fall injury accident, and you may need to investigate to determine the precise cause of your accident. For this reason, avoid discussing who is to blame and why. Don’t claim the blame yourself and avoid blaming others until you are sure you know all the details.
The insurance company representing the property owner or manager will most likely reach out to you and request you give a recorded statement. Don’t provide this until you have discussed your case with an attorney. Also, delay signing any document presented by the insurance company and avoid discussing the accident on your social media accounts.
Gather Information for Your Case File
You’ll need to take the initiative to gather information surrounding your slip and fall and keep it all together in your own case file. The types of information you need to store in there include:
- Request a copy of any police report if they attended the accident.
- Photos of the location of your fall and any hazards that exist, such as broken sidewalks or wet floors. Also, take pictures of your injuries.
- Copies of all medical bills and health records.
- Insurance company correspondence and policies.
- Documentation showing lost wages while recovering from your injury.
- Detailed diary of events. Write down the details surrounding your injury, including the before and after events. Were you alone or with someone? Were there obvious hazards, such as snow?
- List of witnesses and contact information, including phone numbers. It’s best to obtain statements early on as memory can quickly fade.
If you need help gathering information for your case, a slip and fall accident attorney will know how to go about it and what type of documents to seek. This can save you time and the stress of doing it all yourself.
Consult with an Attorney
Consulting with a personal injury attorney after your accident is the best way to ensure your case is adequately reviewed and pursued. While you are continuing to follow up with your doctor’s appointments and orders, your attorney will be compiling the evidence for your case and seeking compensation on your behalf. This way, you can concentrate on your healing without neglecting the outcome of your case.
Contact Our Michigan Slip and Fall Attorneys
We all know that injury accidents can happen, but when they occur due to someone else’s negligence, you’re deserving of compensation. Our experienced lawyers at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. are here to help you establish your case and see it through to completion. Reach out to us at 866-MICH-LAW or through our online contact form for a free consultation. Together we will discuss and determine the next steps to take for a successful outcome.
Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.