When you tumble and fall, there are certain steps you should take to address your medical needs and protect your legal rights. A reliable slip and fall lawyer will help you determine who is liable for the incident and seek compensation. Here is more information about people to contact if you slip and fall:
Emergency Services
If you’ve sustained a serious injury, such as a broken bone, fracture, or head trauma, call emergency services right away. Emergency responders can provide on-site medical assistance and transport you to the hospital so that a doctor can evaluate you. If your injuries seem minor, such as bruising or mild headache, seeing a medical professional is still beneficial as it prevents any unseen conditions from worsening. A doctor may use X-rays and CT scans to determine how severe the injuries are and offer treatment.
While at the hospital or clinic, a healthcare professional documents your injuries, causes of the condition, and treatment. Such medical records can help your slip and fall lawyer file a personal injury claim when seeking compensation. They demonstrate the extent of your injuries and link them directly to the slip and fall incident.
Property Owner, Manager, or Local Authorities
Using the business’s main phone number, call the property owner or manager to inform them of the slip and fall accident. If you can’t find them in person or over the phone, email them with all the information about what happened. Reporting the incident leaves a paper trail of records so that your attorney can use them as evidence in court or with an insurance company. When notifying these parties, describe what caused you to tumble and fall, such as a wet floor, uneven surface, or debris.
You can also include the location of the incident plus the time and date when the incident occurred. If the accident happened on public property, inform the local authorities about it immediately. In this situation, you may be required to file a formal complaint or claim with the city or municipality.
Insurance Company
If you slip and fall in a public place or business, report the incident to an insurance company. An experienced lawyer can help you file a claim to seek settlement for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. When you contact the insurance company, provide details, such as photos of the accident and hazard.
You can also offer information about the type of injuries you sustained and the treatment you received in a medical facility. For easy reference, attach all your medical records and the incident report from local authorities in an email. If there are witness statements, provide such pieces of evidence so that your case can be stronger.
Your Lawyer
If the property owner’s negligence contributed to the incident, your lawyer may help prove liability. This professional assesses how serious your injuries are, what caused the incident, and the impact of the injuries on your life. To build a strong case, your attorney collects evidence, including surveillance footage from the scene, witness statements, and maintenance records.
Throughout the process, your lawyer communicates with the property owner, business representatives, and their insurance companies. They negotiate a fair settlement for your injuries and damages so that you can pay for your medical bills and daily expenses. If negotiations fail or the insurer denies your claim, a legal professional files a lawsuit and represents you in court.
Hire an Experienced Slip and Fall Lawyer
Once you seek medical attention and notify relevant parties, call your lawyer immediately to advise you on the next legal steps. This professional can evaluate your case to determine whether you have a viable legal claim. To receive fair compensation, call a slip and fall lawyer today for a case evaluation.
