A slip and fall accident can result in serious injuries. It is not uncommon for the victims of slip and fall accidents to be left with costly medical bills. In some instances, slip and fall accidents can even result in injuries that deprive victims of their ability to work. While this may only be a temporary setback, until a victim can return to their job, they may be unable to earn a living.
Slip and fall accidents often occur because property owners or managers are negligent. If you have been injured in such an accident resulting from negligence, you can potentially recover compensation for your medical bills and other such losses by filing an insurance claim or lawsuit. Your chances of recovering the compensation you may deserve will be greater if you take the following steps:
Report the accident and get witness information
Report your slip and fall accident to property management or ownership immediately. It is critical that you file an official report as soon as possible.
Take this opportunity to get the names and contact information of any witnesses at the scene of the accident as well. Their testimony may play a vital role in your ability to recover compensation later.
Take pictures of the scene
Various conditions can potentially result in a slip and fall accident. These include broken tiles, loose flooring, spills, items on the floor, and various other such factors.
All of these hazards have one thing in common: they can be corrected. Thus, if you report your accident without taking pictures, it is possible that management or ownership will address the hazard that caused your accident to occur in the first place before you have a chance to document the conditions at the scene. This will make it more difficult for you to prove that you were injured because the property owner negligently failed to address a hazard in a timely manner.
This is one of the benefits of having your phone on you when you’re away from home. In the age of smartphones, it is easier than ever to take pictures of the scene of an accident immediately after it occurs.
Seek immediate medical attention
It is not always easy to determine whether you have been injured after a slip and fall accident. Err on the side of caution and see a doctor right away regardless of whether or not you believe you have sustained serious injuries.
This is important for multiple reasons. First, if you have been injured, your recovery will be much smoother if you receive treatment early. Certain potential injuries you may sustain as a result of a slip and fall, such as concussions, are not always noticeable in the immediate aftermath of an accident.
Seeking medical attention as soon as possible will also improve your chances of recovering compensation in the future. You need to be able to show that your injuries resulted from your slip and fall. If you did not see a doctor shortly after your slip and fall, an insurance company could suggest there is little proof that your injuries resulted from the accident in question.
After seeing a physician, strongly consider scheduling a free consultation with a lawyer. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, a Pittsburgh slip and fall accident attorney will review your case and determine if you have grounds to seek compensation. If you decide to work with us, we will fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery. Learn more about how we can help by contacting us online today to schedule a free consultation.