4 Steps to Take After a Slip-and-Fall Accident
According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), fall accidents are responsible for over eight million emergency room visits in the United States, making it the leading cause of hospital visits in the country. Some common causes of slip accidents include wet floors, poor lighting, slippery floors, and an uneven flight of stairs, to mention a few.
Unfortunately, anyone can be the victim of a fall incident, which is why it’s important to know what steps to take after a fall injury. Below are four main steps you should take after a slip or fall-related injury—including hiring a fall attorney—so keep reading to learn more.
- Seek medical attention, immediately.
As a fall victim, the first thing you should do is seek medical treatment for your injuries. Even if you have no visible physical injuries, have a doctor examine you to rule out any internal injuries. Some common injuries that fall accident victims, experience include soft tissue injuries and hairline fractures.
In severe cases though, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and head injuries could also be sustained. When not detected early these injuries could lead to severe medical conditions, so seek medical attention as soon as you fall or slip. Seeking medical attention also ensures your injuries are documented in your medical records. This will act as strong evidence when filing your fall claim.
According to CBD Nerds, a CBD review website made of a team of CBD enthusiasts, CBD products are growing in popularity for easing an overactive mind, alleviating feelings of anxiousness, and helping with sleeplessness. These are all symptoms that fall victims experience. CBD products aren’t covered by most health insurance companies so if you choose to incorporate CBD oil into your wellness regimen, also keep a record of your out-of-pocket expenses. Remember to always consult your doctor before trying a new wellness product.
- Gather evidence to support your injury claim.
To help your fall lawyer build a strong case, you’ll need strong evidence, so gather as much of it you can. This can include the absence of warning signs alerting patrons to a poorly lit staircase. Take pictures of the stairs or tiles or any hazardous conditions that led to the accident.
If you can, collect the personal information of any witnesses and see if they’d be willing to speak in court. If your accident occurred on a public sidewalk or parking lot, for instance, take note of any surveillance video. Also, keep the items of clothing you had on during the fall in a secure place as these may also serve as evidence when filing your legal claim.
- Make an accident report.
Report the fall accident to the owner of the property, landlord, or store manager where your accident occurred. Include the time and date of the accident and ask for a copy of the incident report. If the slip accident occurred on public property, report this to the local authorities.
- File a personal injury lawsuit.
Property owners such as landlords are required to offer reasonable care and ensure that their premises are well-maintained to guarantee the safety of those who visit their business property. If you were the victim of a property owner’s negligence, or a landlord’s failure to provide a safe environment in your apartment complex, contact a personal injury lawyer. For more additional information be sure to visit Trevino Injury Law.
A slip and fall lawyer can help you file a fall accident claim, and help you receive a fair settlement for the damages you suffered. A lawyer with years of experience will also be able to offer legal advice, inform you of your legal options, and ensure you get the maximum compensation for your injuries. Some of the damages that an experienced lawyer can help you claim include loss of income, loss of enjoyment of life, and the cost of high medical bills.
If you need help finding a liability lawyer, use a lawyer referral service like your local bar association website to find local attorney listings.
