Have you been involved in a slip and fall accident lately at work? Has the incident left you with some physical damages which are draining your finances as you seek treatment? Worry not as the personal injury law thinks about you. There is a branch in this field of law that covers slip and fall accidents.
When filing a slip and fall lawsuit, it is necessary to follow the correct procedure for you to get justice. As you do this, you may not have the right ideas and understanding of the legal process. Thus, hiring a lawyer is usually an excellent idea. Such professionals know the determinant factors for the success of such cases. The main question is, which are the essential steps after a slip and fall accident?
Seek Treatment First
A mere slip and fall accident may seem non-damaging and straightforward, but in reality, it is not. This may make someone wonder it is even necessary to seek medication. Some injuries may not show at first but slowly develop as time passes. Therefore, the best thing to do is find a doctor who will thoroughly examine you. This makes you understand the extent of the injuries and the probability of recurring.
Again, the other benefit of immediate medical treatment is the prevention of other damages. Picture a situation where there is a slight fracture of a particular bone. Quick medical service will prevent any extension of the fracture hence prevent further complications. The doctor’s report is also another crucial source of evidence for the lawsuit ahead.
Do the Reporting
At this point, talk to the store owner, manager, or landlord regarding the accident. Let them know about everything, including the leading cause of the accident. Insist on their filing and signing of the incident report. Such a document is fundamental for the case. What you need is to ensure every detail is accurate.
Find an Attorney
Specialized personal injury lawyers are the best for such lawsuits as they know the best way to gather evidence for the case. They give guidance on the collection of relevant information regarding the accident and the causes. This is where they capture photos of the accident scene, including the present hazards. The legal team at https://samandashlaw.com/ informs on how solid evidence is essential. A lawyer will mainly check whether there are missing safety signs at the workplace.
Evaluate the Accident Scene
Focus on all the conditions which triggered the fall. It could, for instance, be a slippery floor which was the leading cause of the slip. Perhaps, it may be that loose carpeting that brings about all the problems. During such times, they will take time to engage several witnesses and record their statements as well. Such people could be fellow workers or departmental managers present during the incident. During the court sessions, the judge will want to hear all this information supporting your statements.
Avoid Immediate Links with the Insurance Adjuster
An insurance company is in the field to make a profit. How will it achieve this fast? Through reducing the compensation claims of clients. With this in mind, refrain from involving the insurance agent or adjusters after the accident unless your lawyer is present. An insurance company will strive to lure you into discussions aiming for immediate compensation plans.
Through this, the insurer will resolve to pay a lesser amount of money than you deserve. With a lawyer, you will hardly fall into such traps. You need to also avoid giving recorded statements to the insurance company. There is a way they can use this against you, especially when they ask ambiguous questions.
Take Note of All Expenses Your Incur
The result of the lawsuit is to make you get compensation for the medical expenses, psychological trauma, and disruption of work. It is possible to achieve this if only you understand the principles behind claims. Since you already have a lawyer, this will be easy. Consider having a well-organized account of the medical expenses since the accident.
Did you even close the business after the incident? Has your income reduced since then? Have a journal answering all these questions as they add weight during the claim process. The court needs such information to make a judgment. This is why personal injury attorneys guide on the importance of having a medical journal from day one.
No one ever wishes to experience a slip and fall accident. It may look simple but very damaging in the real sense. Following the legal process is the way, but you need to stick to the proper steps. Finding a personal injury lawyer is necessary when filing the lawsuit. With such a legal expert, you can never go wrong with evidence gathering and finding witnesses.