Many people will slip, trip, or fall at some point over the course of their lives. Many times when slip, trip, or fall accidents happen, they are someone else’s fault. Slips, trips, and falls can happen anywhere, so it is crucial to know what to do to protect yourself. The St Louis Personal Injury Lawyers Hipskind & McAninch can help you take the right steps to protect your access to claim benefits.
By law, buildings, homes, parking lots, and walkways must be maintained to ensure they can be used safely. This responsibility is commonly known as premises liability. Premises liability states that if you are seriously injured after slipping, tripping, and falling on someone else’s property due to negligence, you could be entitled to financial compensation.
Steps to Take After a Slip, Trip, and Fall Incident
Slip and fall accidents are fairly common and are the most common cause of accident injury. Slip and fall accidents cost Americans over $13 million each year. A simple mistake after your accident could harm your access to financial benefits. That is why we have outlined the following steps to take after a slip, trip, and fall accident:
Seek Medical Care
Your health must be your first priority following a slip, trip, and fall accident. If you have been injured, it is important to visit a doctor, so you document your course to recovery. Medical records will be important pieces of evidence, and your medical care will ensure you make the best recovery you can before you seek legal remedies for your damages.
Report the Incident
If you are involved in a slip, trip, and fall, report it to a manager, owner, or landlord. Get the details of the incident in writing by asking the manager, owner, or landlord to make a written report, and request a copy of the report before you leave. This can help protect your right to a claim if you choose to pursue one.
Document The Process
The information you collect can help substantialize your claim. That is why it is important to collect contact information from all potential witnesses. Take pictures of the location where you fell and any conditions that contributed to your slip.
It also can help provide context to quickly note what you were doing before the accident, the way you fell, and other supporting details of the accident. Also, store the clothing and shoes you wore that day in case it is needed as evidence.
Avoid Giving Unnecessary Statements
Limiting your communication with the property owner or manager after your accident can help protect your rights. It is also a bad idea to post any details related to your accident on social media. Decline to make a statement to the insurance company until you have spoken to an attorney. You could avoid taking any unnecessary blame.
Consult With an Attorney
If you are considering legal action after your accident, speak with an experienced attorney. Most slip, trip, and fall cases are complicated and difficult to prove. An experienced and knowledgeable attorney with a track record of success can help you recover the money you deserve.
Hurt in a Slip, Trip, and Fall Accident? Get the Money You Deserve
Many accident victims are unsure if they need an attorney to handle their accident cases. Our experienced slip, trip, and fall attorneys can help you. Slip and fall attorneys are available 24/7 and can review your case for free. There’s no obligation to use their services, and many will not charge you until you recover compensation.