No one leaves the house in the morning thinking their day could end in the ER following a slip and fall accident. These accidents are never planned and can result in severe injuries and damages.
Slip and fall accidents can lead to confusion, and victims may not know what to do and whom to hold responsible for their accidents. Your actions after a slip and fall can significantly impact the compensation you receive should you decide to file a claim against the premises owner. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the appropriate steps to take if you ever get involved in a slip and fall to protect your rights and receive fair compensation for your injuries.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Burbank
If you or someone you love has been a victim injured in a slip and fall accident in Burbank, the following are the steps you should take:
- Seek Prompt Medical Attention
Your health is a top priority, and it is essential to have your injuries treated immediately. In addition to ensuring the doctor diagnoses the extent of your injuries, visiting the doctor immediately after the slip and fall accident gives credibility to your case.
Seeking medical attention immediately also prevents the defense from claiming that you may have gotten the injuries on another occasion other than the slip and fall.
- Try to Determine the Cause
Various factors, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or loose wires and cords, can cause slips and falls. Look around the accident scene and establish what could have led to your slip and fall.
Determining the accident’s cause can help determine if someone else’s negligence led to the fall.
- Gather Evidence
Take clear photos of the area where the accident occurred, including any hazardous conditions that may have contributed to the accident. If you can, do this promptly before someone wipes that wet floor or stashes the cords away to destroy evidence of their negligence.
Additionally, take pictures of your injuries and anything that can be helpful for your case. Pictures can be used as visual proof in establishing the cause of your accident.
- Collect Witness Information
Similar to photos, witnesses can provide valuable testimony about what happened in the accident. A witness is considered a neutral party who may not have vested interests in the case, so their account is considered credible.
Be sure to get their name, phone number, email, and address.
- Report the Injury
Report the slip and fall incident to the property owner or manager where the accident happened. You should ensure you complete an injury report and have a copy provided to you before leaving the premises. An injury report is essential as it documents the incident and provides a record of your injuries.
- Write Everything Down
Write down everything you remember about the accident as soon as possible. Delaying can lead to the fading of your memory about the events leading up to, during, and following the accident.
Include the date and time of the accident, the location, the severity of your injuries, and any helpful details about the accident, including what you were doing before the unfortunate fall. However, do not exaggerate the events.
- Do Not Give a Statement
The property owner or their insurance adjuster may request a recorded statement. Politely decline to give a statement without your attorney present.
Also, be cautious about posting anything related to the accident on social media. This can affect attorney-client privilege, and the insurance company may try to use your social media post against you.
- Do Not Assign Blame and Do Not Accept Any
Avoid assigning blame to anyone, including yourself. Do not apologize for the accident or admit fault. Simply report what happened and let your attorney handle the rest.
Your attorney and the insurance company should assess the evidence and determine who is responsible for the accident.
- Preserve Evidence
Preserving evidence is essential in any slip and fall accident. Keep the clothes and shoes you wore during the accident in a safe place, along with other crucial evidence, such as photos of the accident area and medical records.
- Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer
Contacting a slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible is essential. An experienced lawyer can investigate the case to determine who is responsible and advise you on the compensation you deserve for your damages. They can also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf for a fair settlement.
What are the Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents?
Slip and fall accidents can be caused by several factors, including:
- Uneven walking surfaces – Uneven walking surfaces, such as broken flooring, cracked pavement, or potholes, can lead to slip-and-fall accidents.
- Loose or damaged flooring – Loose or damaged flooring, such as carpets and rugs, can cause one to trip and fall.
- Lack of or broken handrails – Handrails are essential for support while walking on elevated surfaces. Lack of or broken handrails can cause one to lose balance and fall.
- Lack of signage – Failure to provide signage warning of potential hazards such as wet floors or uneven surfaces can lead to slips and falls.
- Food or drink spills – Spills on floors can create slippery surfaces, leading to slip and fall accidents.
Contact the Experienced Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer in Burbank, California Today
If you have been in a slip and fall accident in Burbank, California, you can seek compensation for your damages. The experienced slip and fall attorneys at Avaness Law have a wealth of skills and resources to help you receive the compensation you deserve. Please contact us at (818) 435-3932 or online to schedule a free consultation.
