There is nothing fun about slipping and falling. It is not uncommon to experience significant injuries that could keep you from work, school or other activities that you enjoyed prior to the accident. Let’s look at some steps that you should take after being involved in a slip-and-fall accident.
Report the Accident
In some cases, security camera footage can be used to document that the accident happened. However, if there are no security cameras, you will need to report the accident to the business owner or anyone else who works there. It may also be necessary to fill out an incident report describing where the accident took place and other details that you can remember.
Seek Treatment
After you have reported the accident, you should seek treatment either at the local ER or by going to your personal physician. If your injuries are significant, an ambulance may be called to take you to the hospital. Even if the injuries are minor, be sure to get checked out because symptoms may be slow to present themselves. In some cases, it may be up to six hours or more before you start to feel a stiff neck or other problems associated with whiplash. The same may be true if you have internal bleeding.
Document Everything That You Do
You may be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit against the business that owned the premises where you were hurt. However, this is only possible if you can prove that negligence occurred. Part of proving negligence is showing that you were hurt and that you incurred financial damages because you were hurt. Records worth keeping include copies of medical bills, insurance claims or correspondence with your doctor after the incident.
Talk with an Attorney
If you do choose to file a personal injury lawsuit, it is best to do so with the assistance of an attorney. He or she may be able to review a case to determine the likelihood of obtaining a favorable outcome. If there is a chance of winning a case, an attorney may be able to pursue a settlement or a jury award while you focus on your rehab.
A slip-and-fall accident can significantly alter your life. Therefore, it is important that you know what to do to recover both physically and mentally. By receiving timely treatment and pursuing a personal injury case, it may be possible to overcome your injuries and live a normal life.
Author Info: Hannah Whittenly is a freelance writer and mother of two from Sacramento, CA. She enjoys kayaking and reading books by the lake. You can find her on Twitter.
