(235+)Slip and fall claims are notoriously difficult for injured accident victims. What you do, both at the scene and in the days after the accident, makes a difference in the success of your claim. An important step in any slip and fall case is to contact an experienced Philadelphia slip and fall attorney for legal help.
Reach out to the Gibbons & Crichton, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers to learn more about your legal options and how you may be able to obtain financial compensation.
Contact Law Enforcement From the Scene of the Accident
After a slip and fall accident, it is crucial to report it to both the property owner and law enforcement. The property owner’s procedures may dictate that they perform their investigation into what happened, and you may be able to obtain their accident report during the litigation process. On the scene, law enforcement will also write their accident report, including their observations. The police report is often a good starting point for your attorney when they begin to investigate the accident, and while the police officer likely did not see the actual fall, they may have noticed conditions that could have been responsible for what happened.
If it is possible, you should document your accident at the scene. If you are able, take pictures on your phone and provide them to your lawyer. If your injuries do not permit you to take photos, ask someone else at the scene to take them.
Obtain Immediate Medical Care
You must see a doctor immediately after your fall. Your health is the top priority. The more time goes by before you seek treatment, the more possible impact on a full recovery. This delay can also impact your case, the insurance company may claim that your injuries are not connected to your fall. They could also argue that you made your condition worse by doing nothing about your medical situation until your injuries worsened.
There is no good reason not to see a doctor after a fall. Best case, you are not seriously hurt; however, if you have been, the doctor can diagnose and treat your injuries, giving you the medical records that will be vital to your insurance claim or lawsuit.
Keep Records of Your Damages and Condition
In a slip and fall case, it is common for the insurance company to question the severity and extent of your injuries.
It is up to you to document your condition and how your injuries have affected you. Slip and fall compensation depends on how badly you have been injured and not on any damages that someone else may have received in their claim.
Not only do you need medical records, but you also need other evidence to show how your injuries have changed your life. For example, people may be able to testify about what they have seen you go through since the accident. You should also have evidence of any income lost by not being able to fully work. Finally, consider keeping a daily journal of your experience since the accident, documenting the pain and suffering that you endure.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
It is important to submit the claim to the insurance company or file a lawsuit in a timely fashion.
The physical evidence you need could disappear. Not only could it be more difficult to prove what the scene of the accident was like at the time of your fall, but the responsible party may also dispose of the evidence you need to prove your case. When you hire an attorney, they would direct the responsible party to preserve all evidence related to your case in advance of potential litigation.
Your attorney would also review your legal options and advise as to whether you have a potential claim. The insurance company may attempt to speak with you or pressure you to make admissions that could harm your case. When you hire a lawyer, their presence alone could help protect your legal rights while you contemplate your next steps. Securing legal help also gives you peace of mind knowing that you have a knowledgeable professional who understands the process and is prepared to go to battle for you.
Be Careful About Talking to the Insurance Company
The insurance company may attempt to talk to you about the accident. Be careful about speaking to them without legal counsel, as the insurance company may use whatever you say against you. Always have an attorney address the insurance company and respond to any questions that may arise.
Contact a Philadelphia Slip and Fall Accident Attorney Today
The slip and fall accident lawyers at Gibbons & Crichton can represent you when you need to file a claim or lawsuit after an injury. We know how to deal with insurance companies on behalf of our clients, with a long track record of success and results. You can schedule a free initial consultation to speak to one of our attorneys about your case. Call us today at 215-274-0173 or by sending us a message online.
