Slip and fall accidents can be quite common and result in serious injuries. Regardless of the injury, if the accident was due to a certain condition on the property where it occurred, then you may be entitled to compensation for the damages. A property owner or tenant has the responsibility of maintaining the safety and care of a property, so in the case that failing to do so results in an injury, they are held liable. If you or someone you know has been injured in a slip and fall accident, then there are several steps you must take to ensure that the responsible party is, in fact, held liable, and provides the proper compensation. The following steps can assist you:
Document the Accident
Once you are well and able following an accident, you should document the scene of the accident and the accident itself. In a slip and fall case, you must provide evidence that some sort of condition existed that caused you harm or danger. To do so, it is advised to take pictures of the accident itself, as well as journal the occurrence. If you are able, doing so immediately after will improve accuracy and best benefit your case. You should also clearly photograph the faulty condition that caused the accident, along with a clear description of how it contributed to the fall. In addition, contacting the owner of the property may be helpful.
Gather Medical Records
To win a slip and fall case, you must have evidence of an injury that was caused by a faulty condition on the property. The best way to prove an injury is by gathering any medical records that exist pertaining to the specific injury. These records can include medical bills, any documents related to your injury and treatment, appointment records, prescriptions, medical notes, copies of x-rays and even a doctor’s testimony. This evidence will be crucial to proving your case and winning compensation for the sustained damages.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Though you are responsible for taking these measures immediately after the accident, you should contact a personal injury lawyer in your area as soon as possible such as the personal injury lawyer Minneapolis MN locals turn to. A personal injury lawsuit can be a long, complex, and stressful process. A skilled attorney can work with you to determine the validity of your case, and how much it is worth. From there, their legal counsel and experience is crucial in protecting your rights as well as navigating a successful case.
When you initially meet with a lawyer, it is wise to already have documentation of the accident and medical records to help strengthen your case. The lawyer will help you get these in order if you haven’t already done so. The next step will be actually filing the claim. Typically, these claims are filed with the insurer of the responsible party. If by some chance the claim is denied or they offer an unfair settlement, you may have to take the case to court. Evidence and the help of a skilled lawyer will be vital in such case.
Thanks to authors at Johnston Martineau PLLP for their insight into Personal Injury Law.