A slip and fall accident can happen at any time, to anyone. A property owner has a legal obligation to maintain their premises and walkways to ensure visitors’ safety; this is referred to as the premises liability rule. If a person is injured due to a property owner’s negligence, they may be eligible for compensation for lost wages, medical bills and more. Below are some steps to take after a slip and fall injury.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
The first thing a person should do after slipping and falling is to seek medical help right away. While building a case is vital, the victim’s first worry should be their health. An urgent care center or emergency room can document the victim’s injuries, and the proof can be used to build a case. It’s also important for victims to attend all follow-up medical appointments, such as physical therapy.
Notify the Property Owner
After receiving proper medical care, the victim should alert the premises owner of their injuries. Those wishing to file a lawsuit should consider these factors:
• Filing a claim: sometimes, property owners quickly accept responsibility, but most people still need to file a claim to receive compensation for lost wages and long-term injury consequences.
• Limit communications with the property owner after notifying them of the accident. Victims shouldn’t talk to any of the owner’s representatives until they’ve spoken to a lawyer.
• Don’t talk about the incident: victims should also ensure that their claims and statements are consistent with the report furnished to the property owner; consistency will help the case.
Keep Detailed Notes
Before filing an injury claim, the victim and their slip and fall attorney in New York City must prove that the property owner was negligent. Proof can be obtained in several ways.
• Take photos of the location and the injury. This should be done as soon as possible because evidence may disappear and conditions may be changed.
• Take the names of any witnesses. Write down their phone numbers and addresses as well.
• Take notes on medical treatments. Describe pain levels, office visits and medical expenses thoroughly, as this information can form the basis of court testimony.
The next step is to find a slip and fall attorney in New York City. The Law Office of Ada R. Pretto, P.L.L.C. can provide legal representation to slip and fall victims throughout the metropolitan area.
