When you slip and fall due to the negligence of the property owner, it can be an overwhelming matter. You may be left embarrassed and in pain, which can elevate the situation. As such, it’s imperative to understand what you should avoid if you’re a victim of one of these accidents. Additionally, you’ll learn how personal injury attorneys can help you fight for the compensation you deserve in these matters. Keep reading to learn more about these matters and what you should do if you sustain injuries in a premises liability accident.
How does a premises liability accident happen?
Premises liability accidents can occur for a number of reasons, from structural issues to safety violations. They can also happen in many locations, from grocery stores and shopping plazas to post offices and hospitals. However, the most common accidents endured are slips and falls. Unfortunately, these are often preventable, meaning many are needlessly injured. Common causes of slips and falls include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Wet or slick spots on floors
- Unevenly laid flooring
- Unsecured cords
- Debris on the floor
- Unanchored carpeting
- Cracks in tiles
- Loose floorboards
It’s important to also understand, however, that slips and falls aren’t exclusive to issues with the flooring. You may also slip and fall because of a missing handrail, unsafe stairs, or even inadequate lighting.
What can I do to protect myself?
If you are hurt in one of these instances, understanding the steps you can take to protect yourself is critical.
Generally, the most important thing you should avoid doing if you want to seek compensation is apologize. Because falling can be embarrassing, many people’s first inclination after hitting the ground is to apologize. However, doing so allows the negligent party to claim you are responsible, as apologizing can be viewed as assuming responsibility for the collision. Instead, you should limit what you say and avoid saying anything that can be viewed as taking responsibility.
Another thing you should avoid is delaying medical care. Unfortunately, if you do not receive medical care in the immediate aftermath of your accident, the prosecution may claim you failed to mitigate damages or that the injuries you sustained were not serious since you did not seek treatment. As such, this can drastically reduce your claim.
Finally, you’ll want to avoid forgetting to take photos and videos at the accident scene. It’s important to capture evidence that shows the hazard or cause of your slip and fall. Additionally, you should take photos of any injuries you sustained.
As you can see, there are many considerations you’ll need to make when you’ve suffered a slip and fall due to the negligent actions of another person. At Friedman Schuman Layser , we are dedicated to helping you take the correct steps to improve your chances of a favorable outcome. If you’ve been injured, we can help. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for you.
