It’s easy to assume you’ll never suffer an injury in a slip-and-fall accident, but this could happen when you least expect it. For example, you could fall in a grocery store after stepping on a can of vegetables. Or maybe you fall in a parking lot after stepping into a large pothole or crack.
If you’re injured in a slip-and-fall accident, it’s critical that you take the right steps to protect both your health and your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
- Examine yourself for injuries: Before you do anything, examine yourself for injuries, such as broken bones or deep lacerations. This will help you decide on the next steps, such as administering first-aid.
- Call 911 for help: Even if you don’t think you require medical attention, it’s important to get checked out. Some injuries, such as a concussion, can linger, not presenting symptoms until several hours after the accident.
- Collect evidence: To protect your legal rights and seek compensation, you should collect as much evidence as possible. For example, take photos of the scene, with a focus on the cause of your accident. Also, obtain contact information for all witnesses.
Once you receive a diagnosis and understand the impact of your injuries on your future, learn more about your legal rights and how to protect them. You may be able to take action against the building owner or another negligent party.
A slip-and-fall accident can change your life in an instant. If it does, you must do everything you can to make things as easy as possible on yourself.