While some slip and fall accidents happen outside of commercial premises, they’re common in shopping malls, supermarkets and other areas where people frequent.
And if the fall happens because of someone’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation.
What Can You Receive Compensation for?
You may receive compensation for slips and falls within eligible premises, and this compensation may cover:
- Medical expenses, e.g., hospital fees, medication and rehabilitation.
- Loss of income if you must take time off work.
- Home modifications, e.g., ramp or handrail installation.
- General pain and suffering.
If you’re a victim of a serious slip and fall accident, here’s what you must do:
1. Get Immediate Medical Attention
Medical records are crucial evidence when claiming for slip and fall accidents. Ensure that they record your details correctly and that you receive copies of the records after treatment is complete.
On top of this, medical attention is essential for preventing further injury and discomfort.
2. File an Injury Report With the Property Manager
Ensure as many details as you can about the incident are written down immediately, for example:
- Date and time of the incident.
- Type of injury.
- Nature and cause of the accident.
- Your contact details.
If possible, have the medical staff who examined you give a testimonial for the injury report and ask for a copy to use for your claim.
3. Gather Your Evidence
Evidence of your incident will fall into a few main categories, including:
- The cause of your fall: Ensure you record every detail about what caused the fall as this will determine if someone’s negligence caused the slip and fall incident.
- Witnesses: Witness testimonials can back up your claims and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Ensure you ask for their contact details and, if possible, a video testimonial about what they observed during the incident.
- Pictures and video: Take pictures of the cause of your fall before employees remove it. You can also take pictures and videos of your injury to prove when and how it happened. If possible, ask for access to surveillance footage as it may clearly capture the incident.
Ensure you capture as many details as possible before you forget them as forgetting something may affect your insurance claim.
4. Consult a lawyer and file your claim
While gathering your evidence, you can consult an expert lawyer to support the claim process. Not only can they help file and argue your case, but they’ll also help you capture the necessary evidence you need to have a successful claim.
And if there’s no chance of a winning claim, they’ll inform you, so you don’t waste your time.
Either way, consulting a lawyer who’s experienced in slip and fall claims is a smart choice to consider.
So if you’ve been a victim of a slip and fall accident, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll assess your case and ensure you take the best course of action regarding your claim.