When you’re visiting a place of business, a shop, or someone else’s home – even your own building – the last thing you expect is to have a slip and fall accident. However, sometimes these accidents cannot be avoided, because the property has not been maintained adequately by the people who have been tasked to keep it safe.
For those who are attempting to pursue a slip and fall claim against a property owner who is negligent, there are many things you can do to make your case as strong as possible. Remember, slip and fall claims can be complex, not to mention time-sensitive – so bolstering your chance to get fair compensation with a few simple steps can make or break your case.
While there is no foolproof way to ensure success in your case, there are things you can do to strengthen your claim. Here is what you can do to increase your chances of successfully winning your slip and fall claim to get the compensation you need to recover properly from your damages.
Get Medical Help
As soon as you slip and fall, you must get medical attention immediately. Some injuries may not be instantly apparent, but prompt medical care in the wake of a slip and fall accident is one of the most important things you can do to support your case. Keep going back for medical attention if new issues arise from your slip and fall, no matter how long it has been since the accident.
An evaluation by a medical professional ensures that you have a medical record of your injury and what treatment you needed – treatment that can cost you quite a bit of money in the long run and that you need to recover.
Gather Evidence
As soon as you can, you should preserve evidence from your slip and fall accident. This is vital to the success of your claim because some evidence is time-sensitive and may not be available days, weeks, or months down the road.
An incident report as soon as you can get it is imperative, as is any security footage you may be able to secure from surrounding buildings or businesses. Witness statements must also be gathered quickly since detailed recollections can dim over time.
Getting a personal injury attorney on your case as soon as possible will also help to ensure you have the evidence you need to be preserved.
Keep a Log
It’s a good idea to keep a log of the damages you are incurring over time due to the accident. Any expenses you have to pay related to the accident, both economic and non-economic, should be written down. This can help you to get a maximum value from your case and ensure that your damages are covered. This includes things such as lost wages, medical bills, receipts from the pharmacy, and any invoices related to physical or financial losses you suffer.
Don’t Vent on Social Media
In the age of social media, it’s not a good idea to talk about your accident or post photos or videos of your recovery on social media. Insurance companies and attorneys representing the responsible party can use these posts against you.
It’s a good idea to stay off of social media altogether until your case has reached a resolution. It can be difficult to reduce your online presence, but it’ll pay off in the future.