If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, there are certain steps you can take to ensure a positive outcome in your case. Because falls can be embarrassing, we are often quick to dismiss another’s negligence and assume the fall was due to our own clumsiness. However, in many circumstances, dangerous conditions caused the injury. Whether it is a stairwell that may not have been properly maintained, a wet spot on the floor, an uneven doorway threshold, or any other improperly maintained surface, your fall may have been the result of the negligence of another person or company. Not every slip and fall accident results in a case. It’s generally a good idea to speak to an experienced injury lawyer to fully understand your rights.
Following a slip and fall accident, you may be facing significant medical bills and lost wages from time off work. When another’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for expenses, including pain and suffering and lost wages. But how do you ensure your claim is successful? The tips below can help you recover the damages you’re entitled to after a slip and fall accident.
Slip and fall injuries account for about one million emergency department visits every year, and they are the number one cause of workers’ compensation claims. Even more frightening, about half of all accidental deaths in the home are the result of slip and fall accidents.
Evidence from the Scene of the Accident
Physical evidence from the scene of the accident is immensely helpful to the outcome of a slip and fall case. Slip and falls can happen as easily in someone else’s home as in a store parking lot or other place of business. It is the duty of the property owner, including homeowner’s, to maintain reasonably safe conditions for guests. If a dangerous condition was present and the property owner knew about it – or should have known about it – he or she may be liable for your injuries.
- One of the most compelling pieces of evidence you can present is the clothing and shoes you were wearing at the time of the accident. This will allow you to show that your footwear was reasonable and appropriate, and that your clothing didn’t inhibit your movement or present the risk of falling.
- It is also a good idea to document the scene of the fall through photographs and video, if possible. For example, if there was spilled liquid on the floor, or you tripped over clutter or debris, photograph these hazards.
- Witness testimony is also helpful. If anyone was around at the time of your slip and fall accident, ask for their contact information. That way, if you need their account of what happened at a later date, you can follow up with them via phone or email.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Personal Injury Lawyers Serving Boston and the Surrounding Areas
If you’ve been injured in any type of accident, the skilled personal injury team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We’ve been protecting the rights of accident and injury victims for more than 50 years, and we have an impressive track record of obtaining compensation for our clients. We will analyze the details of your case before moving forward with a legal strategy, and we’ll make sure you understand your rights and options in their entirety. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.