Whether you slipped on ice or debris outside a business or you injured yourself inside the grocery store, a slip and fall can be a serious injury. Not only could the slip sprain or fracture an ankle, part of your foot, your leg, or even your arm, but the fall could also injure your back, neck, spinal cord, or head. While surprising to learn, over a million Americans suffer from a slip-and-fall injury every year, but physical, emotional, and financial help is available if you were one of these individuals. With this guide, you will learn a few tips to navigate a slip-and-fall case with ease.
Document the Accident Scene
In some cases, documenting the scene of your accident may not be possible. This is common if your slip and fall resulted in a more severe injury that has left you unconscious or in debilitating pain. However, if you are physically capable of doing so, make sure to document the environment where the slip and fall occurred.
Use your smartphone or ask witnesses to use their phones to take photos of what caused you to slip and fall. If there is ice in the ground outside a business, take photos of the path you walked. If you fell on debris, tripped over a pallet or box, or slipped on a liquid that was not cleaned up properly, take multiple photos that show the cause of your fall.
Gather Witness Information
Another step to take after slipping and falling is to collect witness information. If witnesses were able to take photos of the scene for you, ask them to email or text you the photos as soon as possible.
It is also smart to ask the witnesses for their names, phone number, and email addresses so you or your lawyer can contact them to get a statement about the incident. These witness accounts will be crucial in determining the cause of the slip and fall.
Document Your Shoes
You may be surprised to learn that the shoes you were wearing at the time of the slip and fall can also be helpful in substantiating your claim. If possible, take photos of your footwear after the fall. When you do finally arrive back home, store the shoes away in a safe place so they will be safe and preserved in case your case goes to court.
Your shoes will act as evidence, proving the slip and fall was not your fault, but the business owner's fault.
Gather Medical Evidence
Even if you feel you have just suffered a simple sprain, you should consult a doctor after your slip and fall. In some cases, a simple fall can lead to serious injuries that do not show symptoms immediately. Seeing a doctor immediately after the injury will reduce your risk of long-term medical problems.
You and your attorney can work together to gather all information from the doctor or hospital that you visit after the injury. Medical records, such as x-rays and CT scans, prescriptions, and orders for physical therapy or referrals to a specialist, can all serve as evidence that helps prove your case.
Medical records will also help determine the severity of your injury if the case goes to court. The more severe your injuries, the more compensation you should be entitled to.
Hire an Attorney
No matter how severe your injury is, you should consult an attorney. A personal injury attorney can be beneficial in many ways. The attorney can help you determine whether you have a legitimate case on your hands. If so, they will fight on your behalf to ensure you receive the proper medical care for your injuries and the compensation needed to pay medical bills and your basic living expenses if you have lost time at work.
Finally, attorneys will fight the other party to make sure a similar accident does not occur to someone else in the future. For more information, contact a law firm like Steeg & Glista PC.
