How to Handle a Slip and Fall Lawsuit: Step-by-Step Guide
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Slip and fall accidents are more dangerous than you’d think. In fact, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are among the leading causes of injury-related death among seniors – And they can lead to serious injuries, minor injuries, or even permanent injuries.
Knowing how to navigate the aftermath of a slip and fall accident is crucial, especially if the accident occurred on someone else’s property due to negligence. That said, if you’ve been injured due to a slip and fall, we’re here to help you seek compensation you deserve. Contact us today to speak with an experienced slip and fall injury lawyer in Florida.
This comprehensive guide will provide you with an informative step-by-step process to handle a slip and fall lawsuit and to seek fair compensation for your injuries.
Step One: Assess Your Health
The first thing you should do after experiencing a slip and fall accident is to assess your health. Check for any injuries resulting from the fall. This could range from bruises to broken bones.
If the injuries are severe, call for immediate medical assistance. Don’t downplay any discomfort or pain, as some fall-related injuries may not manifest themselves immediately. If none are immediately apparent, you can jump to the next steps, but you’ll still need to get checked out by a doctor rather soon after the accident happens.
Step Two: Collect Evidence While on The Scene
So long as you’re not too injured to do so, gathering evidence at the scene of the fall accident is essential to prove a property owner’s negligence. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Document everything about the accident (i.e., how the accident happened, where it occurred, and the time).
- Take pictures of the area where the accident happened and the dangerous condition that contributed to the accident, like broken stairs, wet floors, etc.
- Take note of the negligent property owner’s local laws regarding premises liability.
- Document any communication with the property owner or their insurance company.
The goal here is to provide proof of the negligent property owner’s unreasonable risk that led to severe injuries resulting from a slip and fall accident.
Step Three: Get Witness Contact Information
Immediately following a slip and fall accident isn’t the time to be shy. On the contrary, it’s in your best interest to get the contact information of as many eyewitnesses as you can. That can include their name, address, e-mail, phone number, social media accounts, etc. They can play a crucial role in your slip and fall lawsuit by providing a third-party account of what happened.
Step Four: Report The Incident
Report your slip and fall incident to property owners or managers as soon as you can. If the accident occurred on government property, report to the respective government entity. Make sure to get a copy of the accident report. Further, in the accident report, stick to the facts. Let your personal injury lawyer determine fault in the case.
Step Five: Seek Medical Attention (If You Haven’t Already)
After a fall accident, seeking medical attention is paramount, even if the injuries appear minor. Here’s why:
- A medical professional can provide a thorough examination and document your injuries in medical records.
- Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Your medical bills will serve as evidence of your expenses.
Seeking medical attention (as well as following all doctor’s orders and physical therapy plans) will be vital when it comes to proving negligence and for your personal injury lawsuit. Without it, your case won’t have a leg to stand on.
Therefore, it’s recommended to seek the expertise of a physician quickly after you’ve suffered a slip and fall accident – The more documentation, the better.
Step Six: Consult a Slip And Fall Lawyer
After taking care of your health, reach out to an experienced slip and fall lawyer. Slip and fall cases can be complex, which is why having a skilled fall attorney on your side is crucial. A slip and fall accident lawyer can provide a free case review, guide you on the legal options available, determine whether a negligent property owner is at fault, and handle the insurance adjuster – So you don’t have to.
As a last resort, if the insurer refuses to pay you fair compensation for your injuries, your personal injury attorney can lead the charge in court to seek what you’re rightfully owed.
What Not To Do After a Slip And Fall Case
By now, you get the gist of what to do after a slip and fall accident. However, knowing what not to do is just as important. With that said, you should avoid these things after a slip and fall accident in Florida:
- Don’t ignore seeking medical attention.
- Don’t give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster without your lawyer.
- Don’t downplay your injuries.
- Don’t throw away evidence.
- Every action you take post-accident can significantly affect your slip and fall claim.
Contact The Slip And Fall Lawyers At Ziegler Diamond Law
The slip and fall lawyers at Ziegler Diamond Law have a track record of helping fall victims recover compensation for their lost income, medical expenses, future damages, and more.
We offer free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay unless we win. Our slip and fall attorneys are dedicated to getting you the maximum compensation for your slip and fall cases. Reach out to us for a free legal consultation.
Contact us today for your free consultation with an experienced Slip and Fall lawyer in Florida.
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