If you suffer an injury from a slip-and-fall accident, you may have a premises liability case. Premises liability cases are instances where someone sustained an injury on another’s property due to the owner’s negligence.
Both individuals and business owners have a duty of care to keep others safe while on their property. There are a few important steps you should take after any slip-and-fall injury.
Seek medical attention
Severe injuries will be evident in many instances, and people will seek care immediately. However, some injuries may not fully present themselves until the next day. If you experience new neck pain, back pain or headaches in the days following a slip-and-fall, seek medical care as soon as possible. Common injuries from slip-and-falls include muscle strains, broken bones, back injuries and traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can cause lasting damage and involve costly medical bills and treatment.
Report the accident
Regardless of where your injury occurs, report your fall to the property owner. Businesses are often required to fill out a paper report of any accidents on their property. Ask for a copy of the report.
Document the scene
If someone is with you when the accident occurs, have them take pictures for you if your injury prevents you from doing so yourself. Premises liability cases are difficult to prove. Having photographic documentation of whatever caused your injury, be it a defective stairway, a patch of ice or a damaged rug, will help to show the cause of your accident. Also, gather contact information from anyone who witnessed your fall.
Individuals or business owners liable for your injuries will have to pay for your damages, including medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.