All the Steps to Take After Injury on Someone Else’s Property
Were you injured on someone else’s property? Abeyta Nelson can help.
There are several scenarios that can cause injury to another on someone else’s property. You might hear these referred to as “slip and fall” accidents. This refers to someone slipping on driveway ice or water left on the floor at a restaurant, for example.
We also see people in our community who are injured on someone else’s property outside of a “slip and fall” accident. Some examples include tripping on an unmarked deviation in a sidewalk, falling into an uncovered hole, having items fall on you while shopping in a store, being injured on unsafe staircases, elevators or escalators, or insufficient lighting which leads to an injury.
Such accidents may sound minor, but they all too often cause life-altering injuries and economic losses. Equally important to your legal claim and ability to recover damages are what actions you take immediately after the accident. According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), slip and fall accidents represent the leading cause of ER visits, accounting for 8 million trips to the ER annually. If you are injured on someone else’s property, whether public or private, take the following steps to be sure you preserve your right to the damages you deserve:
Seek Medical Care After a Slip and Fall Accident
Now is not the time to “tough it out.” If you are injured, it is important that you seek medical care for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment. Not only will this ensure you are receiving the treatment you need, but it also prevents an insurance company from arguing you “weren’t really injured” because you failed to seek medical attention in a timely manner.
The Importance of Reporting a Slip and Fall Accident
It’s important that you or a loved one report the accident as soon as possible. Speak to a manager or owner. Ask to make a written report about what happened. Ask any witnesses to write a report about what happened. Request a copy when you are done. If the accident occurred at a private home, ask for their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance information.
Always Document the Scene of the Accident
If possible, take pictures of the scene as soon after your injuries as possible. Include photos of the entire area, and close-up photos of the hazard that led to your injury.
Look For Cameras – They Can Help Your Case!
In our day and age there are cameras everywhere. Be sure to ask the business or homeowner for a copy of any video of the incident as soon as possible after your injury. Most cameras are set to record over previous recordings unless saved, so time is of the essence.
Gather All the Information You Can
Take the names and numbers of any witnesses who saw the incident. Get the name of anyone who took your statement. Document the names of any employees that were present before, during, or after your accident. Write a detailed report for your own records. Our memories often fail us on little details, and a little detail could make a big difference in your case.
Be Careful About What You Say, and to Whom
You may receive calls from property owners, business managers, or insurance adjustors to talk about your injuries. They are looking out for their bottom line. They may try to get you to say something to damage your future claim or try to get you to settle your case before you even know the extent of your injuries. You are not obligated to talk to these people, and it’s better to wait until you’ve spoken with an attorney before speaking with anyone else.
Don’t Wait to Talk With An Experienced Attorney
It is very important that you talk to an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. An attorney will ensure you don’t make any statements that will damage your claim. An experienced attorney, like those at Abeyta Nelson, can preserve the evidence and fight back against corporations or insurance companies that don’t want to compensate you for your injuries.
Abeyta Nelson Injury Law is experienced at handling injuries that occur on someone else’s property. If you have been injured on someone else’s property, contact Abeyta Nelson Injury Law for a free consultation. There is never a charge to talk to us about your claim, and we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
-blog written by attorney Maggie Lund, Abeyta Nelson Injury Law