Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere. These accidents can be painful and can result in serious injuries that seriously impact your life. If you’ve been injured due to the store’s negligence, you may need a slip and fall lawyer to help you navigate the complex legal process and secure the compensation you deserve. This blog will help you determine what is considered a slip and fall accident, what to do if you have a trip or fall accident, and how to prepare for your free consultation with a personal injury lawyer.
What is a slip and fall accident?
A slip and fall accident occurs when someone slips, trips, or falls because of a hazardous condition in a public space, like a mall or grocery store. These accidents can occur for many reasons, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, spills, poor lighting, or cluttered aisles. In some cases, these hazardous conditions might not be marked or were neglected by the store’s management, putting shoppers at risk.
What should you do if you have had a Slip and Fall Accident at a store?
When you’re injured in a slip and fall accident at a public store, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, past and future wage loss, and past and future care. However, receiving compensation for the store’s negligence is not straightforward.
Here are eight steps to ensure you’re prepared after a slip, trip, or fall accident at a store:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your injuries might seem minor at first, but they can become serious over time. Make sure to seek medical attention immediately to ensure you document your injuries and receive treatment.
- Document The Scene: While at the scene, collect as much information, photos or videos as possible about the area where you fell. Take accurate measurements of any uneven surface where the trip or fall occurred. Make a note of the time, date and circumstances surrounding the accident.
- Report the Accident: It’s crucial to report the incident to the appropriate parties. Notify the store manager or owner and request an incident report. Keep a copy of the document; this will help establish liability. Also, request any surveillance video be preserved.
- Collect Witness Information: Did anyone see the accident? If yes, ask for their name or contact details.
- Keep Medical Records: Keep all documents related to your slip and fall injury, such as medical assessments, prescriptions, and bills. These will provide proof of the extent of your injuries and the expenses incurred due to the accident.
- Be Cautious with Insurance Adjusters: Insurance companies may contact you for a statement or offer a quick settlement after an accident. Avoid agreeing to settle before speaking to a lawyer.
- Understand the liability and legal considerations: Businesses have a legal duty to maintain a safe premise. They could be liable if they fail to address a known hazard or neglect routine maintenance. However, your own actions can also contribute to the fall and impact your ability to claim compensation, such as ignoring warning signs or wearing improper footwear.
- Speak with a lawyer: After taking the recommended steps in seeking medical attention and gathering as much information surrounding the fall, speaking with a lawyer can help you understand your options and next steps that you may take.
How do I prepare for my free consultation with a lawyer?
During your consultation with our lawyers, be prepared to tell your story in detail. It would be helpful to have relevant documents such as the accident report, medical records, photos, videos, witness information, and insurance information ready. This way, they can help you better understand liability and what the claim looks like as a whole. The consultation is complimentary, so feel free to ask any questions about your potential case. Our team is here to ensure you receive the proper medical attention and compensation on your journey to recovery.
A slip and fall injury can be more than a temporary inconvenience, impacting your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. If you’ve been injured while shopping, contact our personal injury lawyers and get the assistance you deserve.