If you suffer a slip and fall in a business, there are certain steps you should take to ensure your rights to fair compensation for your injuries. It’s important that you work to preserve evidence, gather witness names and statements, and avoid giving statements and having conversations with insurance companies without legal representation.
If you have a fall accident while at a business, you might need to consider seeking legal counsel. A personal injury attorney can help you ensure that you are taken care of. If you think you need counsel, you can search for Chicago slip and fall accident lawyer, for example, to find an attorney in your area. Keep reading to learn more about what to do if you slip and fall in a business.
Seek medical attention.
If you slip and fall in a business, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. This is especially important if you hit your head or suffer any sort of injury. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s always best to get checked out by a medical professional just to be sure. Often head injuries and internal injuries could go noticed until there is a larger problem. It is best to be safe and get checked out anytime you fall.
Alert the management of the business.
After a slip and fall in a business, it is imperative that you alert the management as soon as possible. This will allow them to take steps to prevent further accidents and to document the incident. The management may ask you for your name and contact information so that they can follow up with you later. They may also ask you to fill out an accident report. It is important to be honest, and accurate in your report, as this can be used to determine liability.
Document everything.
If you are able to, try to get the name and contact information of any witnesses to the fall. This can be helpful in case you need to make a claim or file a lawsuit later on. You should also take pictures of the scene of the fall, if possible. This can be helpful in documenting what happened. It’s important to do these things as soon as possible so that everything is documented.
File an incident report.
If you slip and fall in a business, the management will likely want to fill out an incident or accident report. If this isn’t offered, you should request that an incident report get filled out. This report will document what happened and will be used to help the business improve its safety procedures.
To file an incident report, you will need to provide your name, contact information, and a description of what happened. You should also include any witnesses to the incident. The business will use this information to investigate the incident and make changes to prevent future accidents.
Retain legal counsel.
Once you have been seen by a medical professional, you should reach out to a personal injury attorney to discuss your case. Many attorneys offer free consultations, so this is a good way to get started. When you meet with an attorney, be sure to bring any documentation you have related to the accident, including any photos or videos you may have. The attorney will review your case and determine if you have a valid claim. If so, they will work with you to build a strong case and get the compensation you deserve.
Slipping and falling in a store or business can result in serious injuries. It is important to be aware of the potential hazards in these environments and take steps to avoid slipping and falling. If you do slip and fall, it is important to take action to protect yourself and seek medical attention if necessary. It’s also important that you take pictures, file an incident report and work to protect your rights in the event that you need compensation for your medical bills later.