A slip-and-fall accident is one of the most common types of personal injury claims. It can happen anywhere, from a grocery store to a parking lot. And it can cause terrible injuries that could have long-term effects on you or your loved ones.
For these reasons, it's essential to know what steps to take after an accident happens so you're prepared for any legal ramifications that might come up in the future.
If you've been injured in a slip and fall accident, there are specific legal do's and don'ts that should be followed to ensure you're adequately protected. If you follow all of these steps after your fall accident, you'll be sure to get the help you need while protecting yourself from legal issues in the future.
What You Should Do
In the immediate aftermath of a slip and fall accident, there are four things that you should be sure to do.
Take Care of Yourself
After you fall, your top priority should be to take care of yourself. First, make sure that you are in a safe location where it is unlikely that someone will accidentally injure themselves. If you can't get up without help, wait for someone to find you so they can call the authorities or an ambulance if necessary. Your safety comes first.
Document Everything You Can
When you take photos of the area surrounding your fall accident, be sure to document everything. If any potential hazards in the area could have caused your slip and fall accident, or if any bystanders might have seen what happened, it's essential to include them in your documentation. If you do not have access to a camera, write down as many details as possible.
Take Pictures of Your Injuries
Every detail surrounding your fall accident is essential, but your injuries are the most significant part. Documenting what you're experiencing can help your personal injury lawyer build a strong case on your behalf. Make sure you document how your body looks after your fall accident, including any bruising or other injuries that you feel are significant.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
You should contact a personal injury lawyer in the immediate aftermath of a fall accident. They know what to do right after your slip and fall accident occurs and can help to protect your rights as a fall victim.
In addition, personal injury lawyers have the experience necessary to navigate the legal waters that come along with an accident like this one, so it's essential to have one on your side.
What You Should Not Do
After a slip and fall accident occurs, there are a few things that you should not do out of legal caution.
Do Not Discuss the Accident with Anyone Else
When telling people what happened around your fall accident, be sure that you're only talking with the people who need to know. Never discuss it with anyone aside from a witness or law enforcement official if they have questions for you. Otherwise, keep quiet about what happened so you'll be able to maintain confidentiality when talking to your personal injury attorney in the future.
Do Not Sign Anything
Never sign any legal documents or paperwork that someone hands you after your slip and fall accident. You might be asked to sign a document that says you won't take legal action, but there's no way of knowing whether it would stand up in court. So for your own safety, don't sign anything until talking with your personal injury lawyer.
Don't Attempt to Settle Anything Without Legal Assistance
No matter how much you believe you're entitled to compensation for your fall accident, don't attempt to settle the issue without legal counsel by your side. It could be very dangerous if another party is much more experienced in negotiation or if there are doubts about your claim.
Your inexperience might result in you accepting a much lower settlement than you deserve, so always seek the advice of an attorney before proceeding.
Don't Wait Too Long to Contact a Lawyer
If you wait for too long before getting in touch with a personal injury lawyer after your fall accident, it could have negative consequences. Evidence can get destroyed or disappear, and memories fade over time.
Don't give the other side an advantage by waiting too long to contact legal advice. So no matter how long it's been, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can and let them know what happened.
Do You Need a Lawyer after a Slip and Fall Accident?
Hiring an experienced slip and fall accident lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. If you experienced severe injuries or were hurt after a fall incident on commercial or public property, you should consult a personal injury attorney about your case. By having legal representation, your lawyer will handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf and work toward securing a fair settlement for your slip and fall accident. Why risk being unfairly compensated and not having recourse to fix it?
When you hire a slip and fall accident lawyer from Brandon J. Broderick, you pay nothing upfront. We work on contingent fees that are only collected if we win your case. If we don’t win, you don’t pay. Don’t wait, contact us today for a free consultation. With our proven track record of success and our commitment to client care, we can turn your setback into a comeback.