It is easy to become disoriented after a slip and fall accident. Nobody expects to get into one and you might find yourself suddenly needing to visit a hospital. Worse, serious falls are significantly more common than most would assume.
Unfortunately, it’s important to start thinking about your potential lawsuit as soon as possible after your fall for the best chance of success. To make this effort easier, follow these five steps after your injury.
Step 1: Say Nothing Unless Absolutely Necessary
In the initial minutes and hours after your accident, do not discuss it except when necessary. Unless you need someone to call you an ambulance, the only people you should talk to are slip and fall attorneys and a doctor.
The reason for this is that choosing the wrong words could ruin your case, even if your lawsuit is legitimate. If the proprietor of an establishment gets you to say or sign something implying the incident might be your fault, you could lose a case you otherwise should win.
Step 2: Get Recordings of the Accident Location
If you have any reason to believe you have a slip and fall case, start by documenting as much about the incident as you can. Whenever possible, try to get photographic or video evidence of the area the accident occurred in and as close to the time the accident occurred as you can.
Ideally, you will do this very soon after the fall. If you cannot because you were rushed to the hospital, do it as soon as possible or have a trusted friend or family member do it for you.
Step 3: Go to a Doctor
If you have not already by this point, go to a doctor. Tell them about the incident you were involved in and describe any injuries or pains that occurred. Get their opinion in writing to help build your case.
The timing of this visit is important. As time passes, it becomes harder for your doctor to attribute your injuries to your fall. Even if your injuries are not life-threatening, get the opinion of a doctor within a week of your injury if possible.
Step 4: Talk With a Lawyer
The next step is to talk with a personal injury attorney. Discuss the details of what happened and the evidence you have gathered thus far. Listen to their advice; they can help guide you through the rest of the process.
Step 5: Prepare for Court
Assuming your lawyer believes you have a winnable slip and fall lawsuit, the final step is to prepare for court. Continue to follow all your slip and fall lawyers’ legal help and focus on giving your case the best chance of succeeding that you can.
Take Slip and Fall Accidents Seriously
Unfortunately, slip and fall accidents need to be handled with great care. The legal system is very particular and taking the wrong approach could ruin your case, even when you’re the wronged party.
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