Slip and fall injuries are no laughing matter. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be wondering how to seek compensation for your slip and fall injury. Below are the steps you need to take to start filing a claim.
Get Medical Attention
This is the most important thing you can do after a slip and fall accident. Seek out a doctor or go to the emergency room as soon as possible to get checked out. You may not think you’re injured, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution. According to the CDC, over 800,000 people are injured from falls every year. Some of these injuries are minor, but others can be life-threatening. While at the doctor’s office, be sure to tell them how the fall happened and ask for copies of all your medical records. These records will come in handy when you file a claim.
File an Incident Report
If a slip and fall accident happens at a business, you’ll need to file an incident report with the manager or owner. This report should include your name, contact information, and a description of the accident. Be sure to ask for a copy of the report for your records. Remember that most businesses have a policy of reporting accidents, so if an employee tries to dissuade you from filing a report, be suspicious.
Gather Evidence
The more evidence you have to support your claim, the better. Be sure to take pictures of the scene of the accident, including any hazards that may have caused you to fall.
Other evidence can include:
- Eyewitness testimony: Ask anyone who saw the accident to write down what they saw and give you their contact information.
- The clothes you were wearing: Keep the clothes you were wearing at the time of the accident. They may have evidence of the fall, like dirt or ripped fabric.
- Surveillance footage: If there’s surveillance footage of the accident, be sure to get a copy from the business.
Hire an Attorney
Navigating the legal system can be complicated, so it’s best to hire an experienced personal injury attorney to help you with your claim. An attorney will know how to build a strong case and get you the compensation you deserve. Attorneys that specialize in slip and fall accidents will also be familiar with the relevant laws in your state.
Filing a Claim
Once you have all of the evidence and documentation gathered, you’re ready to file a claim. Your attorney can help you with this process. In most cases, you’ll need to file a notice of claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. This notice will include your contact information, a description of the accident, and a list of damages you’re seeking. The insurance company will then have a certain amount of time to respond to your claim.
If you’re not satisfied with the insurance company’s response or if they deny your claim outright, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is a complex legal process, so it’s important to have an experienced attorney by your side. Your attorney can also inform you of any time limits for filing a lawsuit in your state. For instance, many states have a statute of limitations of two years for personal injury claims.
No one ever expects to be injured in a slip-and-fall accident. But if it does happen, it’s important to know how to seek compensation for your injuries. Follow the steps above to ensure you get the justice you deserve.
