Posted by callgentry |
Injuries in life are often unavoidable, and when they do happen, there are steps you can take to ensure a full recovery. Slip-and-fall accidents are one of the most common incidents that result in injury. Slipping and falling can seem harmless until you or a loved one sustain a severe injury and your world turns upside-down.
Slip-and-fall accidents can result in:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Leg, ankle, or hip fractures
- Arm, elbow, or wrist fractures
- Shoulder injuries
- Back injuries
- Other serious injuries
If you sustained injuries after a slip-and-fall accident as a result of a property owner’s negligence, contact the experienced Jefferson City and Missouri Personal Injury Attorneys at Call & Gentry Law Group to learn more about your legal options.
Report the Accident
If you are not in need of immediate (emergency) medical attention, your first step after suffering a slip and fall is to report the accident to the relevant authorities. In most cases, this could be the property owner, business owner, or store manager.
Ask the manager or owner to record your report in writing and ensure that you receive a copy. This step is important to ensure there is a clear record of what happened, in the event that you do not develop symptoms from an injury until several days later.
The report should include as much information as possible, including the location of the incident and the injuries that you are aware of at that time. If the police are called to the scene, you should also file a report with them and ensure you receive a copy. Avoid talking about liability with the manager or owner.
Get Medical Attention
If your need for medical care after a fall is not an emergency, then after reporting the fall, the next step after a slip-and-fall accident should always be to obtain appropriate medical attention. By immediately receiving medical attention, you not only increase your odds of achieving a full recovery but also ensure that your injuries and medical expenses are properly documented.
If you fail to obtain proper medical care after a slip-and-fall accident, the negligent party can deny responsibility for your slip-and-fall accident, claim that you were not really hurt by a fall, and then refuse to compensate you.
Collect Evidence
After a slip-and-fall accident, if you, a friend, or a family member are able to, record as much evidence as possible while still at the scene of the accident. Any evidence you are able to collect will be indispensable in helping you receive the compensation you deserve.
Take photos of the accident’s aftermath, including the surrounding area, your immediate injuries, and what might have caused your fall. If you fell due to a wet floor, for example, ensure that you get footage of the spill before it is cleaned. Witness accounts of the accident can also be used, so be sure to record contact information — including name, phone number, and email address — of anyone nearby who witnessed the accident.
Contact an Experienced Slip-and-Fall Attorney
Meet with a lawyer after a slip-and-fall accident to ensure the best chance of success on your claim and to receive the compensation you deserve. A lawyer will help document the evidence, help prepare your claim and work to secure a larger settlement for your troubles. Any legal counsel you retain should be well versed in slip-and-fall cases.
The experienced Jefferson City and Missouri Personal Injury Attorneys at Call & Gentry Law Group have represented countless slip-and-fall accident victims. Contact their offices today to learn more about your legal rights.