It happens to almost everyone. You are walking along, minding your own business, and suddenly you find yourself flat on the floor. Whether you slipped on a wet or icy surface, tripped on debris, were knocked down while trying to navigate crowded aisles, or fell as a result of some other unsafe situation, you are not alone.
Slip and Fall Injures Due to Negligence
While not every slip, trip and fall accident results in injury, a significant number do.
As many as one million people visit a hospital emergency department each year after a slip and fall accident.
And while not every instance of falling is due to another’s negligence, a significant number are.
Property owners have a duty to ensure that visitors are not at an increased risk of suffering an injury while on their premises. When the property owner violates that duty, an injured party is entitled to seek recovery for his or her damages by bringing a lawsuit for personal injury claim under premises liability law. A Cherry Hill accident attorney familiar with premises liability law can help you assess whether you have a viable claim for negligence after a slip and fall.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Slip and Fall
If you are the victim of a slip, trip and fall accident, these steps are critical:
See a Doctor As Soon As Possible
Some people feel pain as soon as they fall, and others have delayed pain or no pain at all. Don’t assume that just because you aren’t seriously hurting after the fall that everything is fine. Some conditions do not manifest until hours, days, or even weeks after the fall. It’s better to be safe than sorry. See a doctor so you can be thoroughly checked over and to document any injuries.
Fill Out an Incident Report
If you fell in a place of business where there is a manager on duty, report the accident and ask him or her to fill out an incident report. Be sure that you get a copy of the report.
Get Contact Information From Witnesses
If there were witnesses to your fall, ask for their names, phone numbers and emails. Sometimes employees of the workplace where you fell will be witnesses. Be sure to get their names as well.
Take Photographs of the Place Where You Fell
If you can, take photos of the area where you fell. Be sure that any wet or icy areas or crowded aisles or other obstructions are documented.
Contact a Cherry Hill Accident Attorney as Soon as Possible
You might be contacted by the property owner’s insurance representative or the property owner’s lawyer. Do not speak to anyone other than a medical professional about the accident or your injuries until you speak with a Cherry Hill accident attorney. You want to make sure you preserve your rights and that you don’t settle for compensation that will not be adequate to meet your needs.
The experienced personal injury attorneys at Folkman Law Offices can answer any questions you have about your slip and fall accident. Call 856-354-9444 or contact us online for a free case review.
