More than one million people need emergency medical care each year because of a slip and fall. That’s well over two thousand people each day in the United States alone. Falls have significant public health implications, especially for older adults, and contribute to substantial medical expenses.
Injuries from a slip and fall accident can be minor or very serious. And these types of accidents can sometimes have a lifetime effect on the victim, says slip & fall lawyer Brad Sorrentino. They also suffer financially, with paying for medical bills and missing work. For such cases, the natural response would be to file a lawsuit to get help with these costs. But this choice needs careful planning to avoid making mistakes.
Let’s look at the common mistakes so you’ll win the compensation you deserve.
Table of Contents
Failing To Document The Scene
Documenting the scene after an incident is important because it affects your case. It is important to collect evidence promptly. Take photographs of the area, hazards included, such as a wet floor or uneven surface.
Note the time, date and weather conditions when the accident occurred. Ask for the accounts of the witnesses present. Record down your memories while you can still remember. These are important details that can help support your claim.
As a type of personal injury lawsuit, a slip and fall case benefits from thorough evidence collection. Meticulous documentation can not only strengthen your stand but can also provide some sense of control during this situation. You deserve to be heard, and the first step toward justice and belonging is proper documentation.
Not Seeking Medical Attention
If you don’t see a doctor after a slip and fall, you may lose the case. You may not be feeling much pain at the moment or think your injuries are very minor, but trouble may develop later on. You are going without an important diagnosis and treatment by skipping a hospital visit. Neglect could lead to complications and hinder the evidence linking the injuries to the accident.
Medical records act as evidence, forming a vital part of any lawsuit. It will be more difficult to prove the existence of your injuries without any medical records, as these are hard proof that can strengthen your case.
Delaying The Reporting Of The Incident
Promptly reporting a slip and fall incident is crucial to your claim. Delaying could only undermine your case, as you might risk losing valuable evidence if you wait longer in notifying the property owner or building management.
Memories fade and conditions may change, making it challenging to present your claim. Worse, the more time passes, the more people may doubt how dreadful your injuries were.
Having a clear record of what happened serves your interest and can provide evidence to show that you took the matter seriously. Don’t hesitate to report your slip and fall incident right away.
In acting quickly, you will help protect yourself as well as bring together those who share or at least understand your experience.
Ignoring Witnesses
Not being able to identify and obtain statements from witnesses can prove catastrophic for your slip and fall case. When others have set their eyes on what has happened, their versions can greatly support your claims. Never underrate the value of their input, which consists of details you might miss.
Ignoring witnesses could mean loss of information vital to back your story. Get hold of their contact information and, if possible, obtain their statements in writing right away for your case.
Remember, you do not walk this path alone. Others can go to bat for you. It gives a sense of togetherness, so it will not feel like you went through this journey alone; they take your feelings into serious consideration.
Overlooking Legal Representation
Going into a slip and fall suit without a lawyer could jeopardize your case. You may think you can do it by yourself, but the legal system is complicated, and insurance companies are difficult to work with. The lawyer, being well-versed in personal injury laws, gathers evidence and fights on your behalf.
The lawyer can also recommend resources and assistance from others who have been through similar difficulties. Getting your compensation from the lawyer would mean another person who believes in your case.
