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Fall accidents in stores are quite common and can happen to anyone. The impact of a slip-and-fall accident can range from minor bruises to serious injuries like broken bones or head trauma. Various factors, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor store lighting, can cause these incidents.
Staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings while navigating through stores can significantly reduce the risk of slipping and falling. But if a store owner or another responsible party’s negligence caused your fall accident and you suffered an injury as a result, what should you do?
While brushing off the incident and moving on with your life may be tempting, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries. To do so, you must act fast to file a personal injury claim. The following steps can help your compensation claim be successful.
Report the Incident Immediately
After experiencing a slip-and-fall accident in a store, you should promptly report the incident to the store manager or property owner. The store’s management may fill out an incident report documenting what happened, which can serve as valuable evidence if you decide to pursue legal action.
This step is essential to create an official record of the accident on the store’s premises. Such documentation can be vital if you pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Remember to keep a copy of this report for your records.
When reporting the fall incident:
- Stick to the facts and provide all relevant details, such as when and where the fall occurred
- Avoid making any statements that could potentially harm your case later on, and refrain from admitting fault; there may have been contributing factors to the fall
- Remain calm and avoid getting into confrontations
- Do not speculate about contributing factors, and avoid placing blame on others; such statements could be used to undermine your claim if you accidentally identified the wrong party as responsible for what happened
- Avoid discussing details of the accident with anyone other than necessary parties, such as your medical providers or legal representation
- Do not engage in conversations about liability with store employees
- Avoid communicating with insurance adjusters without proper guidance from an attorney
By following these guidelines and knowing who to talk to, you can protect your rights and smooth out the process of seeking compensation for your injuries.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
While still at the scene of the slip-and-fall accident, gather the following evidence:
- Photographic evidence: Take photos while at the accident scene, including the area where the slip occurred, any hazards present (such as spilled liquids or uneven flooring), and any warning signs or lack thereof.
- Witness information: Collect names, contact information, and statements at the scene, as well as witnesses who saw the accident. Witness testimony can be invaluable in proving negligence.
- Documentation of conditions: Note the lighting conditions, weather conditions (if applicable), and any other environmental factors that may have contributed to the accident.
Once you hire an attorney, he or she can work fast to gather relevant evidence for your injury claim while you focus on recovering.
Of course, your legal team may later advise you to take certain steps, such as:
- Preservation of evidence: Preserve any physical evidence related to the accident, such as the shoes worn at the time (which may have substances from the floor), torn clothing, or any objects involved in the fall.
- Receipts and bills: Keep records of all medical bills incurred after the accident, including hospital bills, doctor’s fees, rehabilitation costs, and medication expenses.
- Lost wages documentation: Maintain records of any lost wages or income due to time taken off work for recovery. This may include pay stubs, employer statements, or tax returns.
Seek Medical Attention and Document Your Injuries
Medical documentation is vital in proving the extent of your injuries caused by slipping and falling in the store. Assess your injuries while at the scene of the fall. Check yourself for pain or discomfort and determine whether you can safely move.
If you are seriously injured, staying still and waiting for medical help may be best. Otherwise, you should document your injuries from the fall while at the scene or soon after. Take photos of visible injuries such as bruises or cuts.
Next, seek medical attention as fast as possible. Even if you feel okay initially, some injuries may not be immediately apparent, so getting checked out by a healthcare professional can help ensure your well-being. Doing so also creates a record of your treatment, which is useful in case the insurance company or defense team disputes your injuries.
Follow any recommended treatment plans from your healthcare provider and keep records of your recovery. Seeking medical care and documenting all related injuries will build a solid foundation for any legal action that may follow.
Schedule an Initial Case Review
Scheduling an initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer knowledgeable in slip and fall cases is your first step towards obtaining the justice and fast settlement you deserve.
A personal injury lawyer can explain local premises liability laws and how these apply to your situation. During the consultation, the lawyer can also address any concerns or questions you have about the legal process.
Your lawyer can advise you on the potential strength of your case and what types of compensation you may be entitled to pursue. He or she can clarify topics such as the timeline for resolving your case, the potential outcomes, and the attorney’s fees and costs involved.
Be Prepared to Discuss All the Details of Your Case
When scheduling your initial consultation, be prepared to provide the lawyer with as much information as possible, including:
- When and where the incident occurred
- The circumstances leading up to the fall
- Any injuries you sustained
- Medical records
- Any documentation you have to support your claim, such as incident reports
The lawyer will assess the viability of your claim, considering factors such as:
- The severity of your injuries
- The presence of negligence on the part of the store owner or staff
- The likelihood of proving liability
Carefully Consider All Your Legal Options
Based on the evaluation of your case, the lawyer will discuss the legal options available to you. These may include pursuing a fast settlement with the store owner or filing a lawsuit to seek compensation through the court system. If you decide to proceed with legal action, your legal team will guide you through the following steps.
Protect Your Rights: Avoid Talking to the Insurance Company
Insurance companies are businesses whose primary objective is to protect their bottom line. When you file a compensation claim, remember that the insurance company representing the store owner has one goal: minimize the company’s liability and settle your claim fast and for as little as possible. Talking to the business’s insurer without an attorney’s help can only hurt your case since adjusters are skilled negotiators.
What about communication with your own insurance company? The insurance adjuster assigned to your case may seem friendly and sympathetic. Still, the ultimate goal is to settle your claim for the lowest possible amount.
Adjusters may use tactics such as:
- Downplaying the severity of your injuries
- Shifting blame onto you
- Offering a fast, low-ball settlement to tempt you into accepting less than you deserve
Safeguard your rights by speaking to a personal injury lawyer before contacting the insurance company.
Your lawyer can advise you on how to interact with the insurance company. If communication is necessary, he or she can help you avoid saying anything that could jeopardize your claim.
Your legal team can also communicate with the insurance company on your behalf, relieving you of the stress of dealing with the insurers directly.
Take Control of Your Recovery by Contacting Gould Injury Law Today
At Gould Injury Law, we know that no two cases are alike. That is why we don’t believe in a “one-size-fits-all” approach to legal representation. Instead, our lawyers work fast to secure justice while learning each client’s unique needs and goals for all fall accidents.
We listen carefully to your concerns and requirements to provide the best possible advice on moving forward with your claim. Your satisfaction is our top priority at all times. Our goal is not just to get financial compensation for your injuries but also to find solutions to help you put your life back together faster.
In Connecticut, you have limited time to file a claim. Therefore, you must act fast if you wish to seek financial restitution. Schedule a free consultation today to learn about your legal options. Call us at 888-WIN-FAST or complete the online form.