When you stumble and fall at work, on a sidewalk, or in a store, it leaves you with physical injuries. A reliable trip and fall lawyer can help establish who is liable for the accident and represent your interests. Here are five steps to take after a trip and fall:
1. Get Medical Attention
Even if you have minor injuries, consult a medical professional because issues like internal damage may not present any symptoms right away. If the accident resulted in visible injuries like fractures, call emergency services so that they can stabilize you. At a clinic or hospital, a healthcare provider examines you for injuries, bruises, sprains, or head trauma.
Getting medical treatment allows you to document your injuries so that your trip and fall lawyer can file a personal injury claim. While getting treated, request copies of all medical reports, test results, and prescriptions because they are beneficial for insurance claims. Seeing a doctor shows that you acted responsibly, which can strengthen your case if someone challenges it.
2. Document the Scene
Documenting a scene allows you to create evidence to show what caused the accident or who is liable. You may use a phone or camera to take photos of the hazard that led to your slip and fall. For proper documentation, capture images of the specific cause of the accident, such as uneven pavement, spilled liquids, or bad lighting.
You can also take photos of your injuries, including bruises, cuts, or swelling, to show the impact of the incident. When capturing all these images, avoid moving anything because it can weaken your case. During this process, document warning signs or the lack thereof, like missing wet floor signs or barriers, to help establish negligence.
3. Preserve Evidence
Preserving evidence after a slip and fall is beneficial in proving the circumstances of the incident and supporting your claim. Avoid washing or repairing clothing or shoes, as stains, tears, or scuffs help your attorney create a strong case. These pieces of evidence help show that you fell on a slippery surface or uneven flooring. If you were carrying personal items that were damaged during the incident, preserve them as they help determine how severe the fall was.
4. Report The Incident
After an accident, inform the property manager, supervisor, or manager because this process is useful for claims and legal actions. When notifying these people, describe the issue that led to your fall, such as a wet floor or poor lighting. You may request the responsible party to document the incident in an official report with information like the reason for the fall and the hazard. Before leaving the place, get a copy of the incident report for your records, as it serves as evidence. If you can’t find a property manager to report to, email them so that it leaves a paper trail.
5. Consult an Attorney
When you talk to an attorney, they assess your case to determine if the property owner or another party was negligent. This professional evaluates if the hazard was known or should have been addressed to prevent accidents. An attorney will help you seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Since claims can be difficult to navigate, your lawyer communicates with an insurance company or a corporate entity. If an insurer doesn’t offer a just settlement, your attorney will represent you in court.
Hire a Qualified Trip and Fall Lawyer
Once you seek medical attention and gather all the evidence, call a qualified trip and fall lawyer for legal guidance. This professional can help you file a claim so that you receive fair reimbursement. To get your case evaluated, call a reputable law firm today.
