Slipping and falling in a public place probably isn’t something you’ve planned for or ever expected to happen. However, such an accident can happen to anyone, no matter how young and athletic you are, and it would likely not be your fault. It is the responsibility of a property owner to ensure their facility is safe, and falls often happen as a result of unsafe conditions in a store, workplace, or other frequently-trafficked area.
In today’s blog, we’ll be going over some steps to take after a slip and fall accident. If you’re in need of an excellent personal injury lawyer in Chattanooga, the team at Cavett, Abbott & Weiss is here to help. With more than 60 years of combined legal experience and expertise in the personal injury field, we’ll work on your side to make sure the insurance company gives you a fair settlement for your slip and fall case.
TEND TO ANY INJURIES
As with a car accident, motorcycle accident, or other personal injury, your foremost concern after an accident should be your immediate physical health. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you should seek treatment from a doctor as soon as possible to ensure your immediate health and mitigate lingering injuries. In the case of a possible head injury, you may not immediately recognize the severity, so a medical examination is very important.
Not only does visiting a doctor ensure your immediate health and safety, it also offers crucial documentation of your injuries obtained in a fall.
DOCUMENT THE ACCIDENT
It’s important to stay calm after such an accident, and remember to document the accident scene to the best of your abilities. What should you keep in mind when documenting the scene of your accident?
Most of us carry high-definition cell phone cameras in our pockets at all times, and this should be used to your advantage. Take photos of the exact location of your accident, and any contributing factors to your fall — spilled liquids, icy patches, unmaintained stairs, or anything else that contributed. It is also very important to get the contact information of any witnesses to your slip and fall accident, as they could be important in proving your story later on in your case.
DECLINE TO GIVE A STATEMENT
In a previous blog, we mentioned the importance of not admitting fault or volunteering too much information after a car accident. The same idea applies after a slip and fall accident, as you should remove any chances of accidentally saying something that can later be used against you. After all, you’re not a lawyer, so trying to give a statement on your own could be used against you even if you are completely faultless in the accident. Avoid any discussions of blame after a slip and fall accident.
CONTACT A CHATTANOOGA PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER
After a personal injury where you believe another party to be at fault, it is always in your best interest to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. A qualified lawyer like those at Cavett, Abbott & Weiss has the expertise to navigate the nuances of a personal injury case, assisting with gathering evidence, proving the negligence of the other party, and ultimately negotiating a settlement with the insurance company to ensure you’re given fair compensation.
An unexpected fall could have disastrous implications, with expensive medical bills and missed time from work. In order to ensure you can move on from the accident with fair compensation, be sure to contact a slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible after the incident. Read more about our slip and fall lawyers, or contact the Chattanooga personal injury lawyers at Cavett, Abbott & Weiss today for a consultation on your slip and fall case.