Slip and fall accidents may seem trivial, but their effects can be deeply serious, especially for those who have experienced them personally. The consequences of these accidents extend beyond physical injuries; they can also have a significant impact on your mental well-being.
If you are feeling unsure about what to do next, this guide can help you navigate the process.
1. Make an Appointment
When you experience a fall, it’s natural to feel a bit confused for a while. During this time, you might not be sure what to do next. There is no need to create a comprehensive plan right away. Instead, focus on taking it one step at a time.
The first step you want to take is to make a doctor’s appointment. This step should not be missed, even if you think you have not been seriously hurt. This is the only way to get an accurate diagnosis.
In addition, a professional healthcare provider also ensures invisible injuries such as concussions and whiplashes. They can take the necessary steps to ensure that your health does not depreciate any further.
2. Collect Evidence
Once you have accessed the necessary medical help, the next important step is to gather evidence. This means that you must take pictures of the circumstances in which the accident occurred.
In addition to taking pictures of the circumstances that led to your accident, you must also document your injuries. These pictures can play a significant role in strengthening your settlement claim.
Besides pictures, make sure that you also keep the paperwork saved as evidence. You can also take screenshots of conversations with any responsible parties that can be used later.
If you are making the smart call of hiring a slip and fall accident lawyer, they can also help you in collecting additional evidence by relying on their expert resources. From crime scene recreators to medical experts, they can add a lot to the value of your claim.
3. Speak to Witnesses
You might feel embarrassed if someone watched you slip and fall. Many people wish that no one had watched them in such a vulnerable situation. While you cannot take back what has happened, making the best of the situation is totally up to you.
If you know the people who have watched you slip and fall, it is always recommended to get in touch with them. You can ask them for their contact number and collect their initial statements.
They are key witnesses to the accident and can help you by supporting your claim. The more witnesses you have, the stronger your claim can be. It is best to stay in touch with them throughout your legal journey.
4. Make a Formal Complaint
Whether you sustained a slip and fall injury on a construction site under your manager’s supervision or at a rented property due to your landlord’s negligence, it is crucial to take the necessary step of filing a formal complaint.
Try to get in touch with the responsible party and ask them about the process of filing an official injury report. You must answer all the questions with a lot of consideration and complete honesty.
Read all the sections in the formal complaint form carefully and provide detailed answers. You can also get legal help to fill out these forms, especially if you are considering taking legal action.
5. Call a Slip and Fall Lawyer
Navigating the legal world by yourself can be a big challenge, especially when you are recovering from mental agony and physical injuries. In such circumstances, most people hire Henderson Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers to ease the process.
Whether you have questions about what lies ahead or confusion regarding the legal processes, an experienced slip and fall lawyer can make things easier, starting instantly. From paperwork to deadlines and negotiation, you can entrust them to make the decisions in your favor.
In addition to sharing your burden, they can also provide you with a transparent estimate of the potential compensation your case may be worth. This way, you can set realistic expectations.
6. Create a Journal
The process of finding justice after a slip and fall accident can be long and arduous. In these times, you must be focused on your physical and mental well-being more than anything else.
Even when you cannot put all your feelings into words, try your best to explain your pain. While journaling, it is recommended to pay special attention to how the injuries have impacted your quality of life.
This process can not only help you process your feelings but also help you get compensated for your losses later on. You can also share these notes with your legal representative for review.
7. Keep Your Records
Dealing with an injury after a slip and fall accident can be a long process, depending on your injury. During this process, you may gather a lot of notes and records, such as your hospital bills, specialist referrals, and bills for home modification.
Make sure that these records are filed and well-organized. You must keep these records intact to be able to calculate your existing and anticipated damages. This way, you will also make the process of getting compensation for your losses easier.
8. Avoid Settling Early
Regardless of who is responsible for your injuries, it is likely that the insurance adjusters will reach out to you. It is likely that they will try to convince you to settle for minimum compensation. Unfortunately, many victims of slip and fall accidents give in to the tricks of insurance company representatives.
While settling early may seem like a great option in these desperate times, you must hold your ground. In some cases, they may even refuse to negotiate in hopes that you will accept the settlement.
Instead of feeling rushed, it is always a good idea to get in touch with a legal representative. They can give you an idea of the actual value of your case so that you are not left doubtful or confused.