(NewInsights.org) – Slip and fall accidents happen. Whether you meet your fate on an icy sidewalk or a spill on the dairy aisle, it’s critical to know how to respond. You will almost certainly experience stress alongside any potential physical consequences in the moments following a fall. Here’s how to take action the right way.
Assess Your Situation
How seriously are you hurt? Do you need an ambulance? If you do need medical care, how will you pay for it? These questions may be running through your mind, but try to avoid panicking immediately after an incident — there are more pressing needs. Stop thinking, and focus on what you need right then and there.
Get Help
It’s important to seek medical attention immediately. If you have to ask yourself if you should get help, you should get help. Don’t worry about who will pay, or if you’ll be able to work later. Any injury, especially a bump on the head, requires assessment and treatment. Never underestimate the severity of the situation.
Talk to the Property Owner
If you injure yourself on someone’s property, you may have legal recourse. Depending on the circumstances, the owner’s insurance policy may cover the cost of your medical bills, compensate you for lost wages, or even offer you damages for pain and suffering. Contact the property owner as soon as you’re safe and can do so.
If you aren’t sure who the property owner is, note they could be an individual, a small business owner, a major box store chain, a neighbor, or even a family member, depending on the property in question. If your accident occurs on municipal property owned by the county, city, or state, contact your local governing body directly for help.
It’s Not Personal
In most cases, legitimate slip and fall cases meet little resistance. If your neighbor’s porch is icy and you fall during a casual visit — and there’s no disputing the how or why — you have a good chance of winning a settlement.
Remember: you’re not “suing” your neighbor. You’re presenting their insurance company with a claim because you suffered a legitimate injury.
Businesses operate in a very similar fashion. You’ll file your claim through the store owner or management rather than directly through insurance companies.
Get the Facts
Make sure you have all of your ducks in a row. Take pictures of the accident scene, if you can, and record contact info for all witnesses. Make sure you have documentation for the entire event, including statements from anyone present. Be sure the property owner knows you intend to file a claim.
Seek Legal Counsel
If you’re injured and incapacitated and can’t follow through on contacting property owners to gather evidence, seek legal counsel immediately. Most lawyers will do the legwork on complex cases. Typically, they only get paid when you do, but be sure to ask for clarification on compensation before you sign a retainer. Having a lawyer handle settling with the insurance company and their attorneys might be the best option.
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