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What to do After a Slip and Fall Accident
Every year in the United States, an average of eight million people visit emergency rooms for injuries sustained in a slip and fall accident. After car accidents, falls are the second leading cause of accidental deaths. Slip and fall accident injuries range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious bone fractures, and head, neck and spine injuries.
Many slip and fall accidents just happen and no one is to blame. Others are the direct result of someone’s negligence. Anyone who suffers a slip and fall accident should take certain steps to protect not just their health and well-being, but any potential claim to pursue compensation for their pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost income.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents happen every day for a variety of reasons. Some of the more common include:
- Broken steps or handrails
- Cracked pavement
- Debris or trash
- Ice or snow-covered ground
- Loose carpet or floorboards
- Poor lighting
- Slippery shoes
- Spills
Falls can happen anywhere – at home, in the grocery store, at work, or on the street. It is not always easy to determine what person or agency created or allowed the conditions that caused your slip and fall. An experienced slip and fall accident lawyer can investigate the circumstances that led to the event to determine the responsible party or parties. As the injured victim, you should take the following steps to protect your personal injury claim.
Steps to Take after a Slip and Fall Accident
Seek medical help: Your physical health should always be your top priority. After a fall, seek medical attention. Because some injuries are not always immediately apparent, watch for symptoms that may develop in the hours and days after your accident.
Capture the scene: Details about how, when, and where your slip and fall accident took place are essential to your claim. If you are able to do so, take photos of the scene. Jot down important notes about whether the floor was uneven, wet, or poorly-lit. This information tells the story of your fall and if it could have been prevented.
Gather witness testimony: Perhaps even more powerful than your description of a slip and fall accident is the information any witnesses present at the time contribute. If someone witnessed your fall, ask them to write down their account of the accident. Take down their contact information in case they can remember additional details or can help with your case in the future.
Report your injuries: As soon as you are physically able, report the slip and fall accident to the manager, owner, or agency where your fall took place. If you neglect to do so, they can argue your accident happened at another location, making your case more difficult to prove.
Document the details: From the time your slip and fall accident occurs, maintain any and all documentation related to the incident. That includes photos, video, witness reports, and medical records. Your Virginia Beach slip and fall lawyer may recommend making electronic copies of your records in case you happen to lose the originals.
Contact a slip and fall lawyer: Choosing the right personal injury attorney to manage your claim is an important step in the process. Look for a slip and fall lawyer with extensive experience handling similar claims, and one that provides the highest level of legal guidance and personal attention throughout every step of your case.
A serious slip and fall accident can have a devastating impact on your physical well-being and quality of life. Fall injuries can hold you back from working, earning an income, and going about your daily activities. If your fall could and should have been prevented, the responsible parties should be held accountable.
Virginia Beach Slip and Fall Injury Lawyers Provide Skilled Representation for Your Personal Injury Claim
Now that you know what to do after a slip and fall accident, it is time to schedule a free initial case consultation with East Coast Trial Lawyers. We evaluate your situation and recommend the next best step to take to achieve the resolution you want and deserve after a preventable fall.
To schedule a free consultation today, call 757-352-2237 or contact us online. Our seasoned Virginia Beach slip and fall lawyers represent clients in and around Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Eastern Shores, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk, Virginia.
