Trip and fall accidents can happen anywhere and can result in serious injuries. If you have suffered a slip, trip, or fall due to someone else’s negligence, it’s important to take action to preserve your rights. Here are six steps you must take if you have been injured in a trip and fall accident.
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health should be your first priority. Even if you don’t think you were seriously hurt, some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. See a doctor as soon as possible after the fall to get checked out and treated. This will also create a record of your injuries and care.
2. Document the Accident Scene
Try to gather evidence about what caused you to trip or slip. Take photos of the area and look for any substance or defect that could have led to the fall. Get contact info for any witnesses who saw the fall happen. The more evidence you have, the better.
3. Report the Incident
Alert the property owner or manager about the dangerous condition that caused your fall. This creates a record and puts them on notice to fix the hazard before someone else gets hurt. If the fall happened in a store, tell the manager and ask them to preserve any surveillance video that may have captured the incident.
4. Keep Records of Expenses and Losses
Keep track of all trip and fall-related costs like medical bills, prescriptions, missed wages, property damage, and more. These records will help support your claim and allow you to seek compensation for all your losses. Save all receipts and keep a journal of how the injury has affected your daily activities.
5. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
Speak with us as soon as possible after the fall. An experienced attorney like us can investigate your claim, determine who is at fault, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and represent you in court if needed. We can also advise you on the value of your claim.
6. File Required Notices Promptly
There are strict notice requirements and deadlines for filing trip and fall claims, especially against government entities. Failure to provide timely notice can destroy your claim. Your attorney will know the notice periods and ensure all required notices are filed properly to preserve your right to pursue compensation.
Suffering an injury in a preventable trip and fall accident can devastate your health, finances and quality of life. Following these steps will help you obtain the evidence, treatment, and legal help you need to prove liability and recover damages. With the right approach, you can seek the maximum compensation you deserve. Consult with us right away to start building your claim effectively.
We have three offices in New York. You will find them at the following addresses:
- Astoria – 32-72 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11103
- Brooklyn – 7113 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11209
- Syosset – 175 Jericho Turnpike, Syosset, NY 11791
Call now for a free consultation on (347) 472-5080.