Slip and fall accidents often occur when we least expect it, which can create severe physical and emotional trauma in the aftermath of the incident. You may not know this, but these types of accidents are often the cause of someone else’s negligence. For example, while shopping at the grocery store, you fall and sustain serious injuries due to slippery surfaces that are not properly marked. You can then file a personal injury claim against the owner of the store.
You have an obligation to take legal action immediately and protect your rights. Here are six steps our slip and fall attorneys in San Diego recommend you take after a slip and fall accident:
Step #1 — Seek Medical Attention Immediately After Your Slip and Fall Accident
Your injuries from the accident may seem mild at first, but after a few days or weeks, you are beginning to notice that your situation is worse than you initially thought. That’s why you need to seek medical attention immediately. Your first hospital/doctor’s visit will prove to be a crucial piece of evidence in your personal injury claim. If you fail to seek treatment, or you wait too long, the defendant will try to claim that you were never injured in the first place.
Step #2 — Report the Slip and Fall Accident
If the fall occurs at a business, make sure you notify the managers about it. Ask them to provide you with a report of the incident so that all parties have a copy. If the police were called to the scene, ask them to produce a report of the incident as well.
Step #3 — Take Photos After the Slip and Fall Accident and Your Injuries
Take photos that demonstrate how the accident occurred and try to get as many shots of the area as you possibly can. Try to document any hazards within the area that contributed to the slip and fall accident. For example, if a wet/slippery surface was the cause of the accident, take pictures of this particular hazard before any employees clean the area.
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Step #4 — Maintain a Case File
Keep a catalog of all the relevant documents pertaining to your personal injury case. This includes medical bills/receipts, loss of income statements, and documentation of all other financial damages that are a direct result of the accident. Also, keep a record of your correspondence between you and the insurance company, which you can refer to at any time when negotiating a settlement. We also advise that you write down what occurred in the aftermath of the incident.
Step #5 — Don’t Blame Anyone
When it comes to slip and fall accidents, there will be some uncertainty when it comes to determining who is at fault. Remember, you are still trying to figure out what caused the accident in the first place. You should refrain from immediately assigning blame and instead, look into the different factors that are directly responsible for the accident.
Step #6 — Retain a Slip and Fall Lawyer
It’s imperative that you understand your rights after a slip and fall accident. An experienced slip and fall attorney in San Diego will review your case and determine the best way for you to seek compensation for your injuries. They can expedite the entire process, wasting no time in obtaining a settlement that is fair and deserving. Personal injury attorneys in San Diego know how to file claims and understand how everything unfolds from a legal point of view.
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Were you recently involved in a slip and fall accident? There are several steps to win your slip and fall accident. Consider scheduling an appointment and speaking with one of the personal injury experts here HHJ Trial Attorneys. Based out of San Diego, we ensure that Californians have proper legal representation when negotiating settlements and litigating personal injury cases.
Testimonial from Cynthia, Satisfied Personal Injury Client in San Diego
I can’t say enough about HHJ. I got in an accident and hurt my wrist which turned into a nightmare. I didn’t have an attorney for over a year figuring I could do it myself but the insurance company was awful. A friend told me I should call Adam Hepburn at HHJ and after meeting him I finally felt stress free. Adam and his firm took care of everything and even helped me see a few specialists which really helped in my recovery. Within 5 months the insurance company paid their full policy and I finally got to put this behind me. I am so thankful for Adam and HHJ and I will tell everyone about how amazing they are. If you need a car accident attorney in Carlsbad or North County San Diego, this is the best firm you could ever hope for. Thanks so much HHJ!
