Wet floors, torn carpeting, poor lighting, and areas with uneven surfaces are just some of the dangerous conditions that cause slip and fall accidents.
A slip and fall injury accident or a trip and fall accident can happen at work, shopping at stores in Tampa like Publix or Wal-Mart, at a pool, or just about anywhere. In order to recover damages for slip and fall injuries, there must be a negligent party who caused the injury.
Falls are serious and costly. In fact,one out of every five falls results in serious injuries such as head trauma or broken bones. If you slip and fall on someone else’s property, the property owner may be liable for your injuries. Here are a few tips to follow if you become a victim of a slip and fall accident.
1. SeekMedical Attention, Immediately
It’s important to seek medical attention immediately after you’re injured in a slip and fall accident. Don’t wait. Insurance companies often assume that your injuries are not serious if you don’t seek medical attention immediately after your accident. Once you’ve had your initial appointment with the doctor, then they may recommend follow-up appointments. It’s important not to miss any of these follow-up appointments. If you have a pattern of missing medical appointments, the insurance company may assume that your injury is not severe enough or that your injuries have since healed. If you have not fully recovered from your injuries, make sure that you attend all of your follow-up medical appointments. Any delay in medical care can negatively affect your case.
2. Report Your Injuries
After an accident, notify the property owner or manager of what happened and ask him or her to make a report of the accident. Make sure to obtain a copy of the accident report. This is an important step because, once the report is filed, you’ll have a piece of official documentation about your accident.
3. Take Photos And Notes
If at all possible, take photographs immediately following the accident. While photographs may be the last thing from your mind, they can become a great asset in your personal injury claim. Take as many pictures of the accident scene as possible, from multiple angles. If you’re unable to take photographs, make sure to take notes while your memory is still fresh. You should do this even if you have photographs.
4. Document Witness Information
If there were any witnesses to your accident, make sure that you get their names and contact information. Witnesses can help your slip and fall injury accident case.
5. Call A Tampa Personal Injury Attorney
Slip and fall cases can be complicated. Depending on the situation, it can be difficult to prove liability. If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property and are considering legal action, you should discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney, like those at Hancock Injury Attorneys. Our Tampa injury attorneys will guide you through the entire process. At Hancock Injury Attorneys, there are never any up-front fees. You only pay after we win your case.