Property owners are legally responsible for making sure the premises is safe for others. If they fail to do this, slip and fall accidents are more likely to occur. Slip and fall accidents occur every day in the United States and can result in traumatic brain injuries, broken bones and other serious injuries. If you were recently hurt in a slip and fall accident, it’s important to speak to a premises liability lawyer about your legal options.
Here are the steps you should take after a slip and fall accident:
Report the Accident
Whether you suffered a slip and fall accident inside a grocery store or outside someone’s house, you should let the property owner or manager know right away. He or she should make a written report of the accident and provide you with a copy.
Take Photos
Photos are one of the most important pieces of evidence you can have in a slip and fall accident claim. Remember to take several photos of the conditions that contributed to your accident, such as icy patches on a sidewalk or a juice spill in a grocery store. If you wait too long to take the photos, the property owner or manager will have time to repair the dangerous condition. If you’re too injured to take the photos yourself, ask a bystander to do it for you.
Talk to Witnesses
If there were any witnesses present at the time of your slip and fall accident, don’t be afraid to ask for their names and contact information. They may be able to testify on your behalf in court and improve your chances of winning your case.
Seek Medical Care
Even if you don’t feel too badly hurt right now, you should still see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries don’t show symptoms until days or even weeks after an accident. A doctor can properly evaluate your injuries and recommend the appropriate treatment. Delaying medical care not only puts your health in jeopardy. It also gives the insurance company a reason to deny your claim.
Don’t Provide Statements to the Insurance Company
After you suffer a slip and fall accident, the property owner’s insurance company will likely contact you and ask for you to give a statement. You should never give a statement to the insurance company without consulting with a lawyer first. If you accidentally say the wrong thing, the insurance company can use that against you later.
Hire a Premises Liability Lawyer
A slip and fall accident lawsuit isn’t something you want to tackle on your own. It’s important to hire an experienced premises liability lawyer to take your case. He or she can help you file a timely claim, gather necessary evidence, negotiate with insurance companies and protect your legal rights.
Schedule a consultation with a premises liability lawyer today to discuss your case in detail.
Source: Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Queens, NY, Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C.