We’ve all seen movies and video clips of people walking in a public space, and then suddenly slipping and falling. Most people think that something like this would never happen to them, but you’d be surprised at how many slip and fall accidents occur every day.
Sometimes, this is just a freak accident, but it can also be due to someone’s negligence – for example, if a business’s floors are being washed and there isn’t a sign out warning people that the floor is wet. If this is the case, what do you do? If you want to know the answer to this question, you’ve come to the right place, as this post will be walking you through some steps you can follow.
Get a lawyer
You may be able to receive some form of compensation for the slip and fall, especially if you can prove that the business is at fault.
However, these types of cases can be very difficult to win, which is why you need to get an expert to help you. A good lawyer will be able to tell you whether you have a good case, and they will also assist you through the process of filing a lawsuit. Have a look at Lamber Goodnow to see how they can help you.
Evidence
If you do decide to take legal action, you need to build a strong case, which means that you need to have evidence of the accident. Otherwise, it could end up being a case of your word against the business’s.
If there were any witnesses to the accident, be sure to get their details, as they may need to testify. You can also request to get video footage if there were any cameras in the vicinity of the accident. Keep in mind that you may need to convert the video format to be able to play it.
Seek medical attention
Slip and fall accidents can range in severity. You may simply suffer from a sore body, or you may have more serious symptoms like open wounds, broken bones, or a concussion.
Either way, you need to seek medical attention so that you know how to handle your injuries. Once again, if you decide to pursue legal action, this can be helpful, since you can use your medical report as further evidence of the accident.
Ask for time off work
While it may not always be the case, most people will require some days off from their jobs if they have been involved in a slip and fall accident.
After all, if you injured yourself, you will need to use your paid sick leave while you recover. You may also feel a bit rattled after the accident, so take a day or two to look after your mental health, if you can. Keep in mind that if you do end up going to court, you will likely need to take some days off to deal with that as well.