Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere: at the grocery store, at the office, at a mall, at a parking lot, at a hotel or even on a staircase. These accidents often lead to serious injuries such as head trauma, neck injuries, back injuries, broken bones and muscle sprains. They may also cause the injured victim to suffer losses in the form of medical expenses and lost time at work due to hospitalization.
Sometimes, slips and falls are caused by the negligent management of a premise. If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, talk to a Texas slip and fall accident attorney to assess your case for compensation.
What to do after a Slip and Fall Accident
If you have been involved in a slip and fall accident, here is what you need to do:
1. Collect data from the scene
If you are not incapacitated by the fall, take pictures of the scene. Capture the state of the floor or staircase or parking lot. Is it wet? Does it have safety hazards? Does it have a high human traffic flow? What is the layout of the site? Are there pieces of equipment lying about? Take as many photos as you can.
Identify any witnesses who saw you fall or who were around at the time of the accident. They should be people who can testify as to your fall or as to the conditions of the floor or staircase or lighting. Get the contact details of these witnesses.
2. Preserve evidence
Note down the date and time of the accident. Preserve the pictures you took and the contact details of any witnesses. Do not wash the clothes you had on that day. They may have picked up some of the chemicals on the floor where you fell. Likewise, keep copies of all your medical receipts.
3. Seek medical attention
Seek medical attention immediately. Do not postpone it. Even if you think you are okay or that you can brave the injuries. Small injuries may develop into serious complications. In addition, not seeking medical treatment could be taken by the premise owner’s insurer as a sign that you were not hurt by the slip and fall, complicating your claim for compensation.
If your doctor recommends certain treatment, follow through on it. This will not only set you on the path to healing, it will also communicate the severity of your injuries.
4. Report the accident
If you had an accident at a grocery store, report the accident to the store manager. If it was in the parking lot of a commercial building, report to the owner of the building. Sometimes, it may be possible to report to both the owner and the occupier of the premises. A slip and fall attorney will be better placed to guide you on who to report to. You can request a copy of the incident report recorded.
5. Do not talk to the premise owner’s insurer
After the slip and fall, the premise or store owner’s insurer will probably reach out to you asking you for a recorded statement about the accident. Do not do it before talking to your lawyer. The insurer will ask questions designed to make the accident seem small or your injuries light. They may even offer to settle your expenses in exchange for a recorded statement. Do not fall for it. Paying you a large sum of money in settlements is not in the insurer’s best interests, paying little is.
If you were involved in a slip and fall accident, contact our office at 361.LAWYERS (361-529-9377) today for a free initial case consultation.
