Slip and Fall Accidents: 7 Critical Steps You Must Take to Protect Your Claim
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By PAGE Editor
No matter how pessimistic and gloomy this conclusion may sound, the truth is, that a vast majority of people will at some point go through a slip-and-fall accident for whatever reason and oftentimes, they won’t be the culprit.
Why are they so common? Well, that's because they can happen at any given moment and it doesn't really take too much for them to "strike". Even though they cannot always be predicted, what a person can do is take the necessary steps to protect themselves and the claim they are about to pursue.
If you or someone you know is currently going through this, or you simply want to get more familiar with this topic, then stay tuned, because today, you will be provided with all the necessary information.
First, Get Some Medical Help
Regardless of the situation, what you need to remember is the fact that there’s nothing that’s more important than your health and safety (or the person who experienced this accident). Therefore, if you've been injured, then it's critical to go to a physician who's going to conduct a thorough examination to see if your injuries are serious or not.
If you have any severe injuries, they need to be properly taken care of and then, later on, documented as well because precisely these documents will help you get fairly compensated for your injuries.
Finding A Good Lawyer Is The Next Step
The reality is that slip-and-fall accidents can be truly life-changing, negatively impacting not only your overall well-being but your financial situation too. Luckily, all of this can be alleviated with the help of an experienced attorney.
So how can you benefit from this person? Bear in mind that you most likely (unless you’re a legal expert) aren’t familiar with all your legal rights. On the flip side, a good advocate is and they are going to help you fully understand them.
In addition, if you decide to file a lawsuit in order to get the compensation you deserve, they can help you take all the crucial steps that will lead you to this outcome. If you’ve never hired a slip-and-fall solicitor, you are probably wondering where you can hunt down a trustworthy one.
Fortunately, the world is full of excellent lawyers, however, lately, most people opt for the ones who run their business in New York City because this city is renowned for having top-notch attorneys from this area of the law. Consequently, if you reside in this city, then be sure to do your research that will help you find a slip and fall lawyer in New York City who will help you achieve phenomenal results in your case. Without an advocate, the chances will be drastically reduced.
Don’t Forget To Document Everything!
Pieces of evidence that could greatly benefit your case include every single detail that’s linked to the accident. This refers to:
The name and contact information of the witnesses
The time and date of the accident
Where everything happened
The main causes of the incident (especially the ones that will prove another person’s negligence)
Details of the injuries you sustained
The costs you have because of the injuries
Time To Take Pictures Of The Scene Of The Accident
If you feel relatively fine (meaning functional), then you should take pictures of the incident right after it. You should take videos and photographs of the region you fell, making sure to capture anything that resulted in the accident.
In these types of situations, attention to detail is of huge importance, hence you should focus on things such as:
Uneven surfaces
Slippery or wet floors
Lack of warning signs
Low-quality lighting
Any other object that is potentially detrimental
Bear in mind that the pictures and videos you’ll be taking can make or break your case if you decide to take things to court. That’s exactly why it’s essential to be very thorough during this process.
You Must Report The Accident
Regardless of the location, it’s important to report the slip-and-fall accident. For example, if it happened at the workplace, then your employer must be informed. On the flip side, if it occurred in a store, then you need to call the manager or owner right away.
Keep in mind that you should have the details of the accident in writing. In order to make that happen, it would be wise to ask the owner, employer, or manager to create a written report and then give you a copy before you go.
Do Not Give Any Detailed Statements And Do Not Sign Anything!
This is something that your attorney will remind you of, however, it still doesn’t hurt to also mention it here. You will maybe be tempted to give a detailed statement concerning the incident, but that’s definitely not a smart idea, particularly, without the presence of your lawyer.
How come? Well, that’s because insurance companies may utilize this piece of information against you, and, concurrently, prevent you from getting the proper compensation for the damages and injuries.
For instance, insurance companies may trick you into saying that you feel okay, which is certainly a statement that can hurt your case and the overall outcome. Besides that, you may accidentally give details that aren’t very accurate, which can be detrimental as well. That’s why you shouldn’t do any of these things without consulting your advocate first.
Have Detailed Records Within Your Reach
Anything that’s related to the incident should be kept and within your reach because these things are going to properly support your claim by showing how your life has significantly changed (in a negative way) after the slip-and-fall accident.
Furthermore, they are going to quantify damages, establish liability, and, at the same time, help your lawyer during negotiation which will benefit you when it’s time for the trial.
Although probably none of these above-mentioned steps will cross your mind immediately after the accident, it’s of huge importance to take them promptly if you want to get the compensation you’ve been longing for.
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