Your Personal Injury Lawyers
5 Steps to Take Immediately after a Slip and Fall Accident
Each year in North America, millions of people visit emergency departments for slip and fall accidents. If you are ever involved in a slip and fall accident, there are several immediate steps to take to protect your health as well as your legal interests.
Step One: Get Medical Attention
Your health and well-being are the number-one priorities. If you have a cell phone and are capable, call for help. If not, yell for a passerby to get assistance for you. If your injuries are such that you can still walk and don’t feel seriously injured, you’ll still want to see your doctor for a complete evaluation. There could be underlying injuries that you’re unaware of.
Step Two: Notify Property Owner
You’ll also need to notify the manager, homeowner, landlord or property owner about your accident. If your slip and fall accident occurred at a place of business, the person in charge should fill out an accident report. You’ll want to obtain a copy of that report and hold on to it for safekeeping. If you were whisked away to the hospital after the accident before you could get a copy of the report, call or revisit the store when you’re able to request a copy of the report.
Step Three: Collect Evidence
Having adequate evidence will be crucial to obtaining compensation for your injuries, so collect any and all pieces of information that may support your case, including the items listed below.
- Photos of the accident scene
- The clothing and shoes you were wearing when the accident occurred
- Witnesses’ contact information
- Medical bills
- Medical records, diagnostic test results, treatments, doctors’ prognoses, etc.
- Proof of lost wages
Step Four: Consult a Slip and Fall Lawyer
Slip and fall accident claims are often disputed. When victims file claims, the other parties generally try to deflect blame or refute the severity of the victims’ injuries. Have a lawyer help you with your case so that you have the best chances of winning your claim and getting the full amount of compensation to which you’re entitled. You can contact a slip and fall lawyer in Ontario by calling Preszler Injury Lawyers at 1-800-JUSTICE®.
Step Five: Continue to Document Everything
When you consult your lawyer, he or she will provide you with detailed instructions on what types of information to collect and what to expect throughout the legal process. Until your claim is resolved, continue to document everything related to your injury and damages so your lawyer can build a strong case.
Some of the key items you’ll want to document are listed below.
- All your medical appointments
- Receipts of all injury-related expenses (Include everything from emergency room bills to crutches, from lost income to gas receipts for your trips to the doctor.)
- An injury journal that documents the progress of your injuries, pain levels, and how the injuries impact your daily life
Free Consultation with a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Ontario
To speak with a lawyer at Preszler Injury Lawyers, contact us at 1-800-JUSTICE® for a free, no-obligation consultation.
