According to the National Floor Safety Institute, some of the most common causes of slip accidents include poor lighting, slippery floors, wet floors, negligent lack of a hazard warning sign, and uneven floors, to mention a few. In the unfortunate event that you find yourself the victim of a fall accident, here are some steps you should take.
1. Seek medical attention.
Even if you’re not in any physical pain, or have any signs of serious injuries, it’s still important that you get a full physical exam just to rule out any internal injuries. Some slip injuries such as facial and dental injuries, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and soft tissue injuries develop over time so you want to make sure that all and any injuries you suffered as a result of the fall incident are well-documented as this will also serve as evidence during your fall lawsuit.
If you broke, chipped, or lost a tooth due to a property owner’s negligence, keep meticulous medical records of all the dental treatment options—cosmetic dentistry, root canals, dentures, restorative dentistry—that you had to undergo. If you need help finding a dentist in Sydney, for instance, ask your insurance company to refer you to a dentist within your insurance network.
As a fall victim, it’s important to note that some dental procedures may not be covered by your insurance provider, meaning that you may have to pay for some of these procedures out of pocket. If this is the case, also keep meticulous records of all your medical bills to ensure that you’re well compensated for this as part of your injury claim.
2. Gather evidence and file an accident report.
Once you’re well enough, visit the site of your fall incident and gather evidence. Strong evidence will give you a strong case so take as many photographs as you can of the site. Ask any witnesses present during your slip accident if they’d be willing to testify during your fall claim. Take note of the date of the accident, and if where possible, also take note of the time the accident occurred.
Also, make sure to report the incident to the property owner as soon as possible. For instance, if the accident occurred in your apartment complex, notify your landlord or property manager. If the accident occurred in a grocery store, for instance, report the incident to the store manager or business property owner. On the other hand, if the fall injury occurred on public property such as a sidewalk or a parking lot, report the incident to your local government agency. Most importantly, remember to ask for a copy of the incident report.
3. Hire a personal injury lawyer.
After you’ve received treatment for your injuries and gathered your evidence, hire a fall attorney. A slip and fall lawyer is an attorney experienced in handling personal injury lawsuits.
When looking to hire a fall attorney, consider their years of experience in handling slip and fall accidents. To get the best outcome on your legal claim, you’ll need an experienced lawyer; one who understands the local laws as they pertain to personal injury claims. Most personal injury attorneys will offer a free case consultation and after going through the specifics of your case, they’ll help you understand your legal options and offer legal advice.
As an injury victim, an experienced slip attorney can also help you recover damages for the loss of income, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, and emotional distress. If you need help finding a fall attorney, visit your local lawyer referral service to view available personal injury attorney listings.
