What to do after a slip and fall accident?
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, or are the victim of premise liability, there are certain steps you must immediately take to protect your rights and ensure a fair settlement. First and foremost, if you require emergency medical attention, call 9-1-1 or have someone call 9-1-1 for you. Then, if able, follow these next steps:
- Report the accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s private or commercial property, the first thing you should do is notify the property owner or manager of the accident. Failure to report the slip and fall accident to the at-fault party could hurt your chances of securing compensation for your injuries. You are only obligated to file a basic report that states the date, time, location and that you were injured. If you are unsure of how to file a report for your slip and fall accident, contact an experienced Tampa attorney who can handle the process.
- Seek medical attention
Always go to the doctor or emergency room after suffering a slip and fall accident. Often times, injuries that result from slip and fall accidents, such as concussions, sprains and internal bleeding, can take days or even weeks to fully manifest. Plus, you are not permitted to file a slip and fall lawsuit in the state of Florida unless you visit a medical professional for injuries sustained in the accident. It’s important that you have the medical documentation of your injuries.
- Gather evidence of the scene
Again, if you are able, collect information and details about the accident scene. A great way to do this is to use your smartphone camera to take photos and videos and record the names of potential witnesses. If you are injured and unable to document the accident scene, your attorney will do so on your behalf.
- Don’t admit fault and don’t talk to the defendant or insurance company
Even if the accident is not your fault, do not say sorry or apologize when approached by the at-fault party. What you say in the moments after an accident can be used against you in the lawsuit. Also, do not speak to the defendant or his or her insurance company without the presence of your lawyer.
- Hire an experienced attorney
Having an experienced attorney on your side after a slip and fall accident significantly increases your chances of settling a lawsuit for higher amounts. Slip and fall accidents can be complex legal cases and an attorney will help protect your rights.
- Don’t post about your case on social media
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when involved in a slip and fall case is to post about the accident and its aftermath on your social media platforms. While it is tempting to share about a serious and traumatic event, the opposing insurance company and the attorney will be monitoring your accounts looking for ways to disprove the legitimacy of your claim and injuries. Even if your account is set to private and your posts are innocent, opposing parties have ways of accessing your social channels and twisting the information you post there. The best thing to do is to refrain from all social media activity while engaged in a slip and fall lawsuit.
