Slip and Fall Accidents Can Leave You Feeling Shaken and Embarrassed.
While you may think the fall was a result of your own mistake, in many cases, that just isn’t so. Because of this, it is important that you remain calm and do not accept fault until you’ve been able to clearly recount what actually happened.
If you have a slip and fall injury, the most important thing you need to do–aside from seeking medical attention if needed–is to begin the process of establishing liability.
The premises liability lawyers of Regan Zambri Long explain how.
How Do I Establish Liability in a Slip and Fall Injury?
Immediately following a slip and fall, you will need to make sure you are free of serious injury. If you do not require immediate medical attention, you will want to take the following actions to begin the process of establishing liability in your slip and fall injury claim.
- Be mindful of the scene: Is there an obvious reason why you fell?
- Gather evidence: Take pictures of where you fell and the surroundings.
- Gather witness testimony and contact information: Record and gather witness testimony from those who were present at the fall and get their contact information.
- Report the accident: Whether it occured in a public place, your place of employment, your apartment, etc. be sure to report it with the appropriate parties and get a copy of the written report.
- Document the accident: In addition to the report, be sure to write down all the details including date, time, etc.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you do not have immediate, serious injuries, be sure to follow up with a medical provider and document all treatment and expenses.
- Call a lawyer: If you find yourself needing legal advice, a premises liability lawyer can step in.
What Are the Common Causes of a Slip and Fall and How Does It Impact Liability?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), each year, three million elderly people are treated in emergency rooms for fall related injuries.
While slip and fall accidents are common, it does not mean each incident is the fault of the injured party. In fact, some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents are due to hazards a property owner should have been aware of. This includes:
- Poorly maintained walkways and parking lots
- Poorly lit parking lots, walkways, and business fronts
- Obstacles in common traffic areas
- Missing signage of fall hazards like wet floor signs
- Unsafe stairs, escalators, or elevators
- Pathways covered in snow or ice
- Poorly installed or complete lack of safety features for handrails, etc.
In these cases, establishing liability in a slip and fall is more obvious, however, when you are unsure who you can pinpoint as the at fault party, a premises liability lawyer can help.
How Does a Lawyer Prove Liability in a Slip and Fall?
In order to prove liability in a slip and fall claim, a lawyer will need to review the standards of care to be given. This means:
- The property owner owed you a reasonable duty of care;
- That duty of care was breached;
- The breach caused the accident and subsequent injuries; and
- You have amassed damages as a result of the accident.
While this may seem like a straightforward process, it can be complex which is why you will want to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
What Should I Not Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?
While knowing what to do following a slip and fall accident is important, so is knowing what not to do.
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- Do not speak to the insurance company except to file the claim.
- Do not accept a settlement right away. Remember, the insurance company (both your own and that of the liable party) wants to remedy the situation as quickly and at lowest cost as possible.
- Avoid sharing details of the accident with the property owner and on social media–this can all be used against you.
What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall? — Call Regan Zambri Long.
If you or a loved one was injured by the unsafe conditions of a property, the premises liability lawyers of Regan Zambri Long can help you with your liability claim.
Call (202) 960-4596 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.
