When you are making slip and fall claims, you’ll likely side with a lawyer who knows how the system works and who is ready to fight for your rights. But the onus doesn’t fall on your lawyer alone; your own actions, both immediately following the accident and during the course of the claims process, can have drastic effects on the outcome.
Here’s what you should know:
Following a Slip and Fall Personal Injury
The first few moments after you’ve fallen are the most disorienting—and sometimes the most crucial. Between your emotional state and the rush of adrenaline, you may not immediately realize you’ve been injured and may be tempted to get up quickly and say that you’re fine when you’re not. The best thing to do is to take things slowly, and if someone asks you if you’re okay, answer, “I’m not sure.” If there’s no immediate sign of injury, then take pictures of the area where it happened and collect contact details from witnesses—this may come in handy. Never forego seeking medical attention.
The reason behind these steps is twofold: first, a personal injury lawyer needs to establish a very accurate picture of the mitigating factors to your injury to prove that you were not at fault yourself; second, it may damage your case if you dismiss the potential of injury following the accident itself.
If it is already too late to follow these steps, that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s no case for you—your safest bet is to consult a personal injury lawyer who handles slips and falls and ask them what can be done for you. Other evidence, such as medical records, damaged property, receipts for medications and assistive devices, and witness testimony can help you settle your claim to your satisfaction. By cooperating with your lawyer to build the strongest case that you can, you’ll ensure the most favorable outcome possible.
Slip and Fall Claim Outcomes
Provided that you are able to satisfactorily prove that your injury was sustained in a slip or fall on the property in question and that you yourself were not at fault, you will either reach a settlement outside of court or be awarded damages by a judge. In a case such as this, damages may include medical costs (including projected future costs), loss of income, costs of home maintenance if you are no longer able to perform it yourself, costs for damaged personal property, and pain and suffering. If a spouse or family member has also experienced a financial burden because of your injury, they may also file a claim.