Steps to Take to Ensure You Receive a Fair Settlement in Your Slip and Fall Claim
What you do immediately after a slip and fall accident can substantially affect whether you receive a fair and just settlement for your claim. The insurance company for the property owner will use whatever tactics it can to lower the amount of compensation it must pay for your claim. Property owners and insurance companies fight premise liability cases because they know jury verdicts can be substantial.
In one slip and fall case, a woman sued several defendants for injuries sustained as she was walking from her vehicle to where she worked. The jury in that case awarded the New Jersey woman $2.25 million for her claim. In another slip and fall claim, a Florida jury awarded $1.35 million to a woman who slipped and fell in a puddle of water inside a West Palm Beach, Florida Chipotle Mexican Grille.
What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?
A slip and fall accident is one of the most common types of premise liability cases. Even though you may have a clear-cut case of liability (i. e. the owner knew the steps were rotted but failed to repair the damage and you injured), you still need to be careful to take the right steps following a slip and fall case. If you fail to take the right steps in a slip and fall case, you could receive less money than you are entitled to receive under California’s preemies liability laws.
- Get Medical Treatment – Your health should always be your number one priority after a fall. Even if you do not believe you are seriously injured, you should see a physician as soon as possible after a fall. Some injuries may not show symptoms for several days after an accident. Furthermore, in a slip and fall claim, you must substantiate your damages; therefore, you will need a clear record of your injuries from a medical provider.
- Report the Accident – Report that accident to the property owner or a person of authority (i.e. manger) immediately. Request a copy of the written accident report for your records.
- Take Pictures – You or someone on your behalf should take pictures of the accident scene exactly how it appears at the time of the accident. The property owner will likely correct the problem that caused your injury; therefore, it is critical you have pictures showing how the area appeared when you were injured.
- Eyewitness Information – Obtain the names and contact information for any eyewitnesses to the accident. Eyewitness testimony is extremely valuable as evidence in a slip and fall case.
- Keep Your Clothing – Preserve the clothing and shoes you were wearing at the time of the accident in case your attorney needs these items as evidence in your case.
- Contact a Premises Liability Attorney – You only have a limited amount of time to file a premises liability lawsuit under California’s statute of limitations. Contact a slip and fall attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights to receive compensation for your injuries are protected. Your attorney will conduct a thorough accident investigation to identify the parties responsible for your injuries and preserve key evidence to prove your claim for damages.
Have You Been Injured in a Slip and Fall?
If so, contact the experienced slip and fall lawyers of Torem & Associates at (888) 500-5000 for a free case evaluation. You may also chat with a representative online or use our convenient online contact form 24/7 to get information or schedule a free legal consultation.
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