Slip and fall accidents can be life-altering. You could require ongoing medical care for years and you might become disabled or miss out earning your regular income. When you enter someone else’s property, premises liability comes into play. They have a responsibility to keep the premises safe for you to enter unless you are trespassing in a posted area. Therefore, if you are walking down the sidewalk that the city failed to maintain and you break your arm because of cracked concrete, or you slip and fall in a grocery store because a smashed grape wasn’t picked up, or you fall and hurt your back at a gas station because of spilled motor oil near the gas pumps, the owner can be held liable for your damages.
What to do After a Slip and Fall
If you suffer injuries in a slip and fall, you must notify the store management of your injuries. An accident report must be completed, so be sure to provide them with specific details that indicate what happened. Check to see if there are any witnesses, and if there are, you will need to ask them to provide written statements and include their names and contact details. You will need a copy of the accident report as well as copies of witness statements.
You should establish medical care right away. Failing to get your injuries treated can destroy your claim. Keep copies of medical bills, medical records, receipts for medical devices and prescriptions, medical notes, surgical notes, tests and x-ray reports, and so forth. Document missed work and lost wages and maintain a journal that details your day to day limitations and restrictions.
Here are some documents that can prove your damages:
- Medical records
- Medical bills
- Receipts for prescriptions
- Proof of missed work and lost wages
- Property damage estimates – such as replacing broken eyeglasses
- Photos of the injuries
- Photos of the damages
- Accident report
Damages Suffered in a Slip and Fall
The future costs you will be facing because of the slip and fall should be considered. You might require future medical care and you could have future lost wages. You don’t want to rush a settlement because your injuries might be worse than you realize.
A personal injury attorney will review your medical records and will consult with your healthcare providers to ensure that your losses are not overlooked. You can only pursue one personal injury claim against a single defendant after a slip and fall, so you will want to make sure you have everything in order and that everything has been considered.
Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Slip and Fall
Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. That means there is no upfront costs and nothing to lose. Your attorney will not get paid until you are compensated via settlement or judgment. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form today to ensure your personal injury claim gets on the right track.
