Slip and fall accidents may not seem like a big deal at the time, but they can be serious, with long-term negative side effects. If you slip and fall on someone else’s property, you may be able to assert a legal claim. However, there are certain steps that you must take immediately to protect your claim going forward. Use this blog as a “getting started” guide, and then call Clarke Griffin to set up a free case evaluation to determine your legal rights.
- Get medical treatment immediately.
Do not take risks when it comes to your health. If you think you need medical attention, be sure to get it immediately. If possible, let your physician know that you slipped and fell and where the accident occurred. Even if you think you are not injured, it is a good idea to see a doctor because some serious injuries are not readily apparent right after the accident.
- Follow the doctor’s orders.
If you get medical treatment, you should always obtain the medical care that your doctor recommends. Following through with treatment is not only good for your health, but it also helps your legal claim. If you do not visit the doctor as recommended, the insurance company or property owner may assert that the slip and fall injury was not as serious as you have claimed because you did not get medical attention as recommended.
- Preserve evidence as possible.
Remembering exactly how your injury occurred will be important. If possible, keep evidence regarding your slip and fall injury. For example, you may want to retain the clothing you were wearing at the time of the injury, especially if they are ripped or have blood on them. Do not wash the clothing.
You may also want to take pictures of the area where you fell. This will not only help from an evidentiary standpoint, but it will also jog your memory of the exact location of the fall for future reference.
- Keep notes about the fall and your follow up treatment.
It takes a long time to work through a legal case for slip and fall injury. You may not recall all the details as well months or even years down the road. It is a good idea to sit down and note everything you remember about the accident, including the location, time of day, what you are doing, where you were going, whether there were witnesses, and what you think caused the injury. Virtually any detail you can recall should be recorded.
It is also a good idea to keep a journal of your treatment following the injury as well. Your medical records will be helpful, but only you can describe your physical and mental status while you are recovering.
A personal injury attorney can help you gather evidence and preserve your claim if you contact him or her shortly after the accident. In fact, the sooner you make the connection, the better. Call Clarke Griffin to schedule a case evaluation.
