5 Do's And Don'ts You Should Follow After A Slip-And-Fall Accident At A Store Or Business

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Slip-and-fall attorneys are experienced in helping clients receive compensation for injuries occurring from falls. If you experience a slip-and-fall accident at a retail store or business, there are a few important measures to take that will help you in your case. While you may be confused or jarred from such an accident, it's imperative that you take action as quickly as possible. Gathering information for your lawyer can help the proceedings for any legal action that is taken. Here are do's and don'ts you should consider after experiencing a slip-and-fall accident:

1. DO Seek Medical Care Right Away: Whether your injury is major or minor, it's important that you seek professional medical care and have your injuries documented. Cuts, abrasions, broken bones, or sprains may be evident early on, but serious injuries such as head trauma may not manifest until later. Whatever injuries you sustain from the fall, be sure to receive documentation in writing from a medical professional. This crucial information, such as the injuries you've received and how they occurred, can help your lawyer win your case.

2. DON'T Forget to Seek Witnesses: Before you leave the scene of the accident, look around for witnesses to your fall. If possible, obtain the names and telephone numbers of anyone nearby who saw how your accident occurred. Their testimony can help you during your litigation. Witnesses on your behalf can also be of help should the property owner dispute your charges and legal claim.

3. DO Take Note of the Area In Which Your Accident Occurred: Was it an icy parking lot that caused you to fall? Was the floor of the building wet or slippery? Was the carpet torn, causing you to trip? Perhaps a handrail was missing on the staircase. Write down anything of importance pertaining to the condition of the property where you had your accident. Your lawyer will need to know this information when filing your claim.

While you're having a good look around, try to take photos of what you see. Even a camera phone will work in such a case. If you're physically unable to do so yourself, have another individual snap the photos for you. If a camera is not available, buy an inexpensive disposable camera within a short time of the accident and get those photos taken quickly. Remember, time is of the essence. Do not wait and come back days later, or the conditions may have changed.

4. DON'T Leave the Scene of the Accident Without Notifying Management: In most cases of slip-and-fall accidents that occur at a store or business, there is specific procedures the victim should follow. This needs to be documented at once. It should be as simple as completing an accident report form. You can receive the form from the management of the business.

In addition to obtaining your name, address, and phone number, the manager may also ask you questions. You may be asked what department the accident took place in and to describe the conditions of the scene. You will also asked about your injury. Did you hurt your arm or leg? Is your back sore? Did you hit your head? These are important questions you may need to answer.

5. DO Speak to Legal Counsel Before Speaking to the Property Owner's Attorneys

Within a short period of time after your accident, you may be contacted by an attorney or an insurance adjuster representing the opposite side. These agents are working for the property manager and are in business to see that monetary compensation is kept to a minimum. Anything you say to an opposing lawyer may be detrimental to your claim. Before you answer questions from insurance adjusters or lawyers representing the store or business, consult with your own attorney. Seek out a lawyer that is experienced in slip-and-fall accidents by contacting law firms like the Knafo Law Offices. There's no need to worry about fees right away, as most attorneys will offer free consultation and will be paid after the case has been settled.

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4 April 2017