Slip and fall accidents are common, but that doesn’t make them any less devastating. These injuries account for millions of hospital visits each year. They can occur virtually anywhere and pose a significant threat to the elderly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fortunately, victims of slip and fall accidents may have legal recourse if their injuries resulted from the property owner’s negligence.
The three steps to take following a slip and fall accident:
- Consult an Attorney
While it is true that you can file a lawsuit pro se, an attorney can help you avoid mistakes that could compromise your interests. Personal-injury cases, especially slip and fall accidents, involve property law, liability, negligence and other areas that can be quite complicated. An attorney can explain how these laws relate to your case and can handle settlement negotiations on your behalf to secure the maximum compensation.
- Gather Information about the Accident
Information is power when it comes to a personal-injury case. The more details you can provide about what happened before and after the fall, the stronger your case could be. You should make it a priority to gather as much information as possible.
This includes statements from witnesses, anything the property owner may have said before or after the fall, and all pertinent medical records. You should also gather medical records and take photos of any injuries. Be sure to document any limitations in activities, as well as any time that you took off work to recover.
- Notify Insurance Companies of the Incident
Insurance companies play a role in almost every accident lawsuit; however, you should refrain from speaking to an insurance company until you have discussed the case with an attorney. In certain circumstances, insurance companies may try to claim that the hazard which caused the injury was “open and obvious.” This implies that you could have easily avoided the slip and fall if you had paid attention to your surroundings.
If the insurance company attempts to deny your claim and you still intend to pursue damages, then you may be headed toward a complex legal battle. A personal-injury lawyer can help you determine if bringing a claim is in your best interests. If so, your attorney can litigate your case if it goes to trial.