Steps to follow after Slip and Fall Accident

No matter how hard we try, it’s inevitable most of us will have a slip and fall accident. Whether you’re young or old, these accidents can happen anywhere, and when they do the results can be devastating. Between the medical bills that will result from treatment, the lost wages from being unable to work, pain and suffering, and other expenses that may result from the accident, there’s no doubt a sudden slip and fall can make your life extremely difficult in many ways.

However, if the slip and fall you sustained was due to the negligence of others, there are some very important steps you’ll need to take in order to put yourself in a favorable legal position to receive the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Premises Liability

According to the law, all homes, buildings, parking lots, and walkways are required to be maintained in a safe fashion so that people can travel on them without fear of slipping, tripping, or falling. Known as premises liability, this means that if you are seriously injured due to slipping, tripping, or falling on someone else’s property, you could possibly be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses. But to be sure you are able to receive the compensation you deserve, there are several steps you’ll need to take.

Seek Medical Treatment Immediately

Whether or not you believe you are seriously injured after a slip and fall accident, it’s imperative to make sure you seek immediate medical treatment. In many of these cases, the best lawyers in New York find that people who initially think they sustained no serious injuries later find out they are in fact seriously hurt from fractures, whiplash, or other injuries. Because of this, New York city malpractice attorneys recommend seeing a doctor as soon as possible so that all injuries can be properly documented. If it turns out you have a personal injury case, the medical records will become key parts of evidence when you and your attorney seek to get compensation for your injuries.

Always Report the Accident

Whether an accident happens at work, in a parking lot, or at a neighbor’s home, always be sure you report the accident to someone. If at all possible, make sure the details of the accident are compiled into a written report by a manager, landlord, or homeowner, and always make sure you receive a copy of the report that you can give to your attorney. By using a workers compensation lawyer New York accident victims can be assured they will have the legal representation they need in the event their accident is disputed by their employer, or other factors arise that require written evidence.

Document Every Detail

In slip and fall accidents, the slightest detail can be the one that turns the case in your favor. Therefore, all details should be documented, even ones you don’t feel are important. While you should naturally get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses, you should also take pictures of the accident scene to show the exact conditions of the area in which you fell. And as an added precaution, write down the exact time and date of the fall, what you were doing prior to the fall, and how you fell. In addition to this, take the clothing and shoes you had on when you fell and put them in a safe place, since they could be called into question later on.

Never Give a Statement

When these accidents occur, it’s imperative you remain calm and say as little as possible to your employer, the property owner, or others. Also, never go on social media and talk about the accident, since this can come back to haunt you later on. As a general rule, don’t accept blame for the accident, don’t place blame on anyone, and don’t speak to anyone from an insurance company until you’ve spoken with an attorney.

Contact an Attorney

Because most slip and fall accidents involve many details and variations of what happened from numerous people, they can be some of the most complex cases New York malpractice attorneys handle. Because of this, it’s crucial you hire the best lawyers in New York to handle your case. By scheduling a consultation with lawyers who are experienced and knowledgeable in these matters, you’ll take the first step toward receiving the full and fair compensation you deserve. And in addition to this, make sure your attorneys have an excellent track record in these cases, since you’ll need their expertise to battle insurance companies and others who will do everything possible to prove the accident was your fault. But by having skilled lawyers on your side, you’ll gain the compensation you need as well as peace of mind.

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