What to do after a Slip and Fall?:
Slip and Falls are not pre-planned events, they come out of nowhere. You may be unprepared or scared after a Slip and Fall and be unsure of what to do. Understanding what you can do to protect yourself and your ability to heal is very crucial. Here are some steps you can take if you have had a Slip and Fall incident:
1. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION:
Your health and well being should be your first concern but this is not only good practice but this can also help build your case. When you are hurt in a slip and fall the first thing you need to do is document your injuries. Treating your injuries often proves the date that these injuries happened.The best way you can do this is by having a doctor/expert document your injuries for you. This prevents the defendant from arguing that you have received your injuries elsewhere. Also your injuries may not be entirely noticeable after a slip and fall and by going to a doctor, you can further insure that you do not exasperate your injuries
2. INSPECT THE SCENE:
WHAT caused you to fall?
(Slippery floors, dirt/debris on the floor,uneven floors,wires/signs/objects that cause obstruction.)
The best way to pinpoint the cause of the fall is directly after it happens. Look around you! If you can identify the cause of your fall, than you can work backwards to determine what the store owners and employees might/could have done differently to prevent your accident/fall.
3. TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS
Your smartphone is very useful in the courtroom as you have the ability to provide evidence/photos of what caused your slip and fall.This evidence can help the jury and Judge understand and side with your case. Take photos of the floor along with the surroundings at the scene, this can help us determine what is important.
(Look for cameras nearby*)
4. IDENTIFY A WITNESS
A witness is important to verify/approve of your claims. If your Slip and Fall happens at a business, other customers or employees could have witnessed it. It is very important to get their contact information so that they can testify on your behalf. Approach witness give them a brief explanation of what they just saw, ask for: name, phone number, address, email address.
Having a witness in your corner can prevent the defense from trying to deny your claim.
5. MAKE AN OFFICIAL REPORT
A business might want you to produce an accident report for their records. Go ahead and make the statement.(INCLUDE all vital information). Having the complaint on file could prevent the other side from claiming that you did not take the accident seriously when it occurred.
6. WRITE NOTES
Keep track of injuries/pains or things you noticed from the accident so that you do not forget later.
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, write out a narrative of exactly what happened. Take your time! Include every detail, even small ones.
(where you in a hurry, how was your mood…)
7. WORK WITH A LAWYER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
The other side will do everything they can to pay you less money. When speaking with them they may take your words out of character, twist them, or claim you said something you did not say.
This is why it’s best that you work with one of our experienced lawyers here at Pranzitelli Law Firm we can handle negotiations with the other side. Our lawyers are experienced and know what cards to play. Our lawyers have dealt with slip and falls previously and can easily deal with the tense negotiations.
8. DON’T LET YOUR CASE SLIP AWAY
Our lawyers have dealt with Slip and Fall cases in the past, and our clients have often received more than the expected amount. At Pranzitelli Personal Injury Law we guarantee to work tirelessly on your case, ensuring you receive the proper care, and proper compensation.
Reach Pranzitelli law firm at: Email:info@aplawoffice.ca or TEL: 905-266-2633 or 416-309-8444,