How an Injury Attorney Handles a Slip and Fall Case
Slip and fall injuries are very common and their severity can range from minor bruises to more serious fractures and debilitating conditions. Most people will sustain a slip and fall accident at one point or another. Worse yet, these accidents are—all too often—someone else’s fault.
When you encounter a slip, trip, or fall accident because of someone else’s negligence, it is important to know what to do next. A slip and fall injury attorney is the person you can turn to for help in dealing with a slip and fall accident. They can help guide you through all the steps you need to take in order to get fair compensation for the damages you incurred and the injuries you have suffered because of the incident.
When a fall isn’t your fault, you can hold another person or entity responsible for your injuries. By law, homes, buildings, walkways, and parking lots must be well-maintained to ensure safety. This is legally referred to as ‘premises liability,’ which means that if a person was seriously hurt after tripping, slipping, and falling on another person’s property (because of the property owner’s negligence), the person may be entitled to fair compensation of their medical bills as well as other losses like time off work and general pain and suffering.
What Should You Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?
If you or someone you know has suffered a slip and fall accident, it is important to keep the following steps in mind so you can protect your interests:
1. Seek immediate medical treatment.
In any accident case, your health and safety should be the foremost priority. It is crucial to seek medical attention and treatment immediately after a slip and fall accident. This is not just so you can get the proper treatment, but also to make sure that your injuries are properly documented. The medical records that this will generate can serve as critical pieces of evidence as you seek compensation for the injuries and damages you sustained.
2. Report the incident as soon as possible.
No matter where the accident happens—be it on a sidewalk, inside a store, or perhaps somebody’s home—it is important to report the incident immediately to the property’s owner, manager, or perhaps the landlord. Get the details of the accident in writing. A written report is also crucial to the validity of your case. You may ask the property owner, landlord, or manager to generate this report and request a copy for your claim.
3. Document every detail of the case.
Collect the names, contact details, and addresses of all possible witnesses—their accounts and statements will help prove your claim. Take photos of the scene and the exact location of your accident, taking note of any conditions that could have contributed to your slip and fall accident. Document what you were doing before the incident and other details such as the way you fell and the exact time and date of the event.
4. Decline requests for statements.
It is best to limit your communication with the at-fault party and to refrain from sharing any details of your accident publicly (such as on social media). Decline requests to give a statement to insurance companies until you have spoken with your slip and fall injury attorney.
5. Call an Oklahoma law firm.
When contemplating legal action following a slip and fall injury, it is best to contact experienced professionals who know the ins and outs of the legal system. Slip and fall cases can be complex in nature and proving fault can be especially challenging, which is why it is best to get professionals on board.