Hospitals and large stores generally become negligible with their responsibility of maintaining a safe environment for the people. When a slip and fall accident occurs in a store, it is the liability of the business owner. Be it in the store or hospital slip and falls, these injuries can lead to significant damage to the pockets of the property owner as well as affect the brand image of the organization.
Slip and fall accidents can happen due to snow build-up on the entry staircase, having a wet floor without any warnings, or having poor lighting resulting in poor visibility. The process of claiming compensation is not always smooth. It requires hiring a lawyer, gathering evidence, identifying witnesses, and attending court dates.
You must keep a note of the below-mentioned things if you come across a slip and fall accident.
Document the scene
The law of our country needs evidence. So, if you have ever been a victim of slip and fall accidents in a hospital, don’t forget to take note of as many things as you can that can be presented as evidence.
You can use your smartphone or CCTV footage to record the cause of your slip and fall. For instance, if you slip and fall because of liquid spillage, or slip over ice on stairs, you must document it by taking a picture of it.
Identify any potential witness
Any individual who has watched you slip and fall in the store can serve as a witness. Such a testimony serves as a piece of compelling evidence in the courtroom. Having multiple testimonies makes your claims stronger.
You should remember to pen down names and contact details of every witness that saw the accident. Your hired lawyer, who is representing your case, can then contact them for their testimonies.
Seek medical attention
If you become a victim of slip and fall accident, you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you don’t feel anything serious, you should get yourself examined by a doctor as some injuries take time to show signs or symptoms.
You must get assessed within 3 days of a slip and fall accident. Getting yourself examined by a doctor provides medical records that are necessary for making a claim.
Report the accident
The victim must report the slip and fall accident to the owner of the store or property. You can obtain personal information, such as name, phone number, or address about property owner from the store manager.
Informing the management is of the utmost importance when it comes to pursuing further steps of claiming compensation. In case of any doubts, you can call and seek guidance from a lawyer.
Get help from a premise’s liability lawyer
If you ever become a victim of a slip and fall accident in a large store, you should file for a premise’s liability lawsuit against the concerned store. If the incident was followed by severe injuries, a lawsuit would ensure you are compensated for your troubles.
For this purpose, hiring an experienced attorney can help you defend your right to compensation, and make sure that you are paid enough to cover for your medical expenses and his fees.