If you’ve been hurt in a slip-and-fall accident on public or private property, there are some crucial steps that you should take, as well as certain mistakes you should try to avoid to protect your rights under the law. Below is a short list that can be used as a guide to help you determine the appropriate next steps you need to take and how to protect your rights.
After a slip-and-fall injury, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. You need to make sure you receive any necessary treatment that is offered/suggested by your physician, as your medical records will serve as very important evidence in your claim for monetary damages.
If you are physically able, try to take as many photos of the accident scene as possible. The photos do not have to be “photographer professional quality.” If you have a cell phone available at the time, use it. You should also jot down the specific location where you fell, the surrounding area, all of your injuries, any damage to your personal items and/or clothing, and anything else that may possibly be related to showing how you were hurt.
If people saw or heard you fall, ask them for their name and number (if you are physically able to do so). You can take their business card if they have one, as well as email addresses. What is crucial here is that you have the ability to contact any witnesses who may be able to corroborate your version of the events that took place.
Once you have a treatment plan in place, be sure to carefully follow your doctor’s recommendations. If you miss any follow-up appointments, proceed to exercise when you should be recuperating or you go back to work too quickly, these are all mistakes that could cost you dearly when you attempt to obtain compensation for your injuries.
Regardless of the type of claim you are pursuing, it is always a good idea to stay off of social media, particularly when it comes to possible discussions of your case. The owner’s insurer will undoubtedly be looking for any and everything they can use to deny or lessen your claim -- this includes pictures and other information that you post online.
Insurance companies tend to try to get injured parties to settle quickly once they determine they’re entitled to financial compensation. Why? Because they want you to take a settlement (and waive your rights) before you realize the full extent of your damages. However, before you accept any insurance payment, make sure you have a clear understanding of what doing so will mean for your claim at the time and in the future.
When it comes to protecting your legal rights, there is no substitute for receiving personalized legal guidance. If you have been injured in Allentown or elsewhere in Pennsylvania, get the help you need as soon as you can.
Drake, Hileman and Davis is a full service law firm with an emphasis on personal injury law. Since 1985, we have served clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey- from Philadelphia north to th...
