Slip and fall accidents are incredibly common. Imagine that you skid across an icy sidewalk, or tumble down broken, poorly maintained stairs. Accidents like these can result in significant injuries, including broken bones, broken teeth, and even trauma to the head. If your slip and fall accident is the result of another party’s negligence (say, a business owner who doesn’t fix a broken railing, or fails to properly salt their parking lot before an ice storm), you may be able to file a personal injury claim, seeking compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.
The problem is, even when you file a claim, the property owner and their insurance company may try to minimize or even flat-out deny their need to make things right. As such, it’s critical to follow a few simple steps to protect your health and safety, and to uphold your legal rights, following a slip and fall.
Steps to Take Following a Slip and Fall
1) Get medical treatment.
Even if you do not believe you have been critically injured, you should still seek evaluation from a medical professional. There are two reasons for this. One, injuries may not show up right away, but a medical professional can identify any warning signs or red flags. Two, if you fail to seek medical care, the property holder may argue that you were not injured at all, thus rejecting your claim.
2) Report the accident.
If your slip and fall happens at a place of business, report it to the manager. Request a copy of their incident report. If they call the police to investigate, ask for a copy of the police report, too. These documents can prove invaluable as you pursue a legal case.
3) Take photos.
Speaking of documentation, use the camera on your phone to collect images of the scene. Get a wide angle of the accident scene itself, including any details that reveal the property owner’s negligence. Also take photos of your injuries, including any cuts or cruises.
4) Maintain evidence.
Set aside the clothing and shoes you had on when the slip and fall happened. These items may ultimately be used for evidence later on. Also keep a written record, noting the date and time of the accident, any progression in your symptoms, medical appointments, interactions with the property owner, etc.
5) Do not give or accept blame.
Avoid making any statements to the property owner before you have a chance to speak with your personal injury lawyer… especially statements that could be construed as you casting or accepting blame.
6) Talk with a personal injury lawyer.
To ensure the best outcome, it’s crucial to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer, someone who will passionately fight for your rights and guide you through each step of the claims process. If you’re in the Houston area, contact McLaurin Law. We’d love to talk with you about your slip and fall claim, and to counsel you on next steps.
