After a slip and fall accident, you should prioritize your health. Go to the doctor and have them perform a physical exam. If no one has already, report the incident to the property owner or manager. You may also want to document the scene and take pictures of the hazard that caused the slip and fall. Keep all this information with you, as it will be key when you file your claim.
However, you don’t have to bring a case against the at-fault party on your own. You may benefit from consulting a Florida slip and fall lawyer at our firm. We can protect your rights and fight for fair compensation while you’re in recovery.
Get Medical Help After Sustaining Injuries From a Slip and Fall Accident
Making sure you’re safe after a slip and fall should come before anything else. It’s important to visit a doctor as soon as possible—regardless of whether you feel hurt. Sometimes, you might not notice any signs of injury until a few days after the incident, and they can get worse within that time frame.
Waiting too long to get help can be detrimental to your health. As a result, your treatment might be longer and more intensive.
The physician should begin treating you right away. They might even refer you to specialists to better aid you in your recovery. Whatever they recommend, it would be in your best interest to follow their orders throughout your treatment. It will help ensure that you are on track to getting as close to normal as you can.
How Prompt Medical Care Can Help Boost the Validity of Your Case
In addition to protecting yourself, seeing the doctor after a slip and fall accident can help your claim against the other party. For example, if you go to the hospital or your primary care physician the day of or after the accident, it’s easier to show the cause-and-effect relationship between the slip and fall and the doctor’s visit.
If you wait a week or two, the other party’s insurance company might be less inclined to accept or fairly pay out your claim. They could say that the slip and fall accident was not the cause of your injuries or that you made them worse by delaying treatment.
The same thing might happen if you sought prompt care but didn’t keep up with treatment. On top of potentially hindering your recovery, the insurer could be more resistant to covering the full extent of your medical bills. Please make sure you follow through with your treatment until your physician gives you the okay to return to your normal activities.
Report the Slip and Fall Accident to the Property Owner or Manager
If you think you’re well enough, notify the property owner or manager about your slip and fall. They should fill out an incident report that may contain the following information:
- The day, time, and location of the accident
- The hazardous condition that led to the fall (e.g., wet or uneven floors, loose floorboards, defective sidewalks, cluttered aisles, loose carpeting, or poor lighting)
- If there was any signage warning others of the hazard
- Any injuries sustained
- If there were any witnesses to the incident
You should be able to request a copy of this report within a few days of the fall, or our slip and fall attorneys can request it for you. It will serve as evidence when you file your claim or lawsuit.
You Should Gather Evidence After a Slip and Fall Accident
Again, if you’re able, document the slip and fall accident scene. Take photos and/or videos of the object or conditions that caused your fall, signage that alerted you of the hazard (if applicable), and any visible injuries you sustained.
If there were any witnesses to what happened, ask them for their name and number. Their testimony can help substantiate your claims regarding the property owner or manager’s negligence.
Consider Consulting Our Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys After Your Accident
Going up against the insurance company while you’re trying to heal from your injuries is daunting, especially when you’re unfamiliar with the claims and legal processes. The good news is that you don’t have to go it alone. A Florida premises liability attorney from our team can represent you during all proceedings while you’re in recovery.
Just because we manage your case doesn’t mean you won’t be a part of it. We will keep you updated throughout it. If you have any questions, our team will quickly return your calls and emails. You won’t have to wonder about what’s going on. In the meantime, we can handle these tasks on your behalf:
- Obtain the incident report from the property owner
- Collect evidence to build your case
- Interview eyewitnesses
- Identify the cause of the accident, as well as the responsible party
- Talk to the insurance company
- Fight for a proper settlement during negotiations
- Bring your case in front of a judge if we cannot agree on a settlement amount
Please don’t delay getting help. Florida sets tight deadlines for filing injury lawsuits. Florida Statutes § 95.11 states that, in general, those suing negligent parties have two years to act. Failing to submit your case by then could keep you from collecting fair compensation. If you inform us about what happened to you soon enough, our attorneys can help you comply with state law.
Strive to Protect Yourself and Your Rights After a Slip and Fall Accident
You should take care of yourself after a slip and fall accident. Typically, that includes accepting help from medical professionals and others. Our lawyers are here to support you and fight for compensation if you suffered injuries through no fault of your own. Take a look at our video about our firm’s founding principles to learn more about what we can offer you.
Contact Rosenberg & Rosenberg today for a free consultation. Our team is available to assist you 24/7.
