People running errands or visiting a professional facility, like a veterinary clinic, do not expect to sustain injuries. Most people access businesses or other private property without any major complications. However, sometimes property conditions are not acceptably safe.
In those scenarios, a visitor might potentially slip or trip and then fall. They could injure themselves and damage any property that they have with them, including clothing, jewelry and even technological devices. How they respond to that incident may have a direct impact on their eligibility for financial compensation later.
What are the appropriate steps that an injury victim should take after a slip-and-fall?
Document the incident
To hold a property owner or business accountable for a recent slip-and-fall incident, there must be proof that an injury occurred and that the business was responsible. Slip-and-fall incidents may occur due to negligent facility maintenance.
Damaged floors, messy spaces or even a lack of rugs at critical locations could constitute negligence, as these factors are readily associated with poor slip-and-fall outcomes. People can use their mobile phones to take pictures of unsafe property conditions that caused the incident.
They can also file reports with managers or owners. Ensuring that there is documentation can help validate the claim that the fall occurred later.
Pursue a medical evaluation
Slip-and-falls can cause more serious injuries than people might expect. Slip-and-falls can lead to broken bones or soft tissue injuries. If people hit their heads when they fall, they might be at risk of developing a traumatic brain injury. They need to see a doctor to diagnose their injuries and treat them before they worsen.
In many cases, those with medical expenses, damaged property and possibly lost wages after slip-and-falls may also need to talk to an attorney. Having professional advocacy and guidance can help people pursue premises liability lawsuits after slip-and-fall incidents.