By John Luke
Did you know that every year, there are more than 9 million emergency room visits due to trips, slips, and falls with 65% of the accidents happening in retail and wholesale trade industries? With such statistics, a slip, trip, and fall accident can any day happen at your business place too.
It is a sad truth that most people suffer from a slip, trip, and fall accident at least once in their lifetime. It is even sadder to note that these accidents are most often not caused due to their mistake. Slip, trip, and falls can happen to anywhere at any place and once it does, it is vital for you to know how to react. When you fall and hurt yourself, you may get confused and not know how to respond.
This is particularly true when you fall due to no fault of your own. As per the law of the country, homes, buildings, walkways, and parking lots should be maintained to ensure the safety of those who come into your premises. This kind of responsibility is usually called premises liability.
So, before you move on to hire a personal injury attorney who can handle your case on your behalf, you should know what steps to take. Scroll down to know more.
Do you know what to do after a slip and fall accident?
If you or someone you love is injured in a slip and fall accident. It’s vital to know the crucial steps to take instantly. Here are a few to remember:
- Get yourself medically treated
Soon after a trip and fall accident, the health of you or your loved one should be your top priority. In most cases, you will be hurt and hence you should get yourself medically treated by a doctor. Getting help from a doctor will keep your injury documented. All these medical records are vital pieces of information that you’ll need when you ask for compensation for the injuries you’ve sustained.
- Keep an account of the accident
Regardless of the place of the slip and fall accident, whether on a sidewalk or a store or at a friend’s house, ensure you inform the landlord, owner, or the manager of the property. Get all the details of the incident in writing as this will be required in the near future. Ask the landlord or the manager to take a written report and ask for a copy from him.
- Keep a written document of everything
When you’re involved in a slip and fall accident, you should remember to collect the names, addresses, and contact details of the eyewitnesses. With the help of their statements, you could give correct evidence of your claim in case you’re planning to sue the property owner legally. Don’t forget to click pictures of the actual location where you fell. Click details of the stairs or other bad conditions that led to the accident.
- Don’t give any statements
Stay calm and composed and don’t talk too much with the manager or the property owner. Never post anything about your slip and fall accident on social networking sites. Don’t give any statement if asked by the insurance company unless you have a discussion with your personal injury attorney.
Lastly, if you’re looking forward to taking legal action, talk to an attorney. There are numerous slip, trip, and fall cases that are too complicated and difficult to prove. With the help of an attorney, you’ll be served by the expert resources of a law firm. Make sure you hire an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who has your best interests in mind.
