A serious slip and fall accident can be catastrophic, given the potential for life-altering injuries and the disruption to your daily life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 800,000 people are hospitalized every year for fall-related injuries. These injuries can happen virtually anywhere – and when they occur on someone else’s property, victims can often recover compensation for their losses.
After a serious slip and fall incident, you need to take steps to optimize your recovery. At The Hayden Law Firm St. Louis Accident & Injury Lawyers, our legal team is committed to protecting the rights of people who have suffered injuries in accidents. Below, we discuss the steps you should take after a slip and fall accident. To learn more or to discuss the specifics of your case with a lawyer, contact our office today.
Promptly Seek Medical Care
The first thing you should do after a slip and fall accident that results in injuries is to seek medical attention. Doing so after the incident will ensure that you get a proper assessment of injuries and medical care. The medical report could also help your attorney build your personal injury case.
Importantly, failing to seek medical attention can hurt your injury claim. A gap in treatment can be used to challenge liability. The delay in getting medical attention might be argued to look like the medical attention was unnecessary and, therefore, devalue your claim.
Follow the Doctor’s Advice
Positive health outcomes greatly depend on victims’ adherence to doctors’ treatment plans. This means adhering to your doctor’s treatment plan can expedite your recovery. Importantly, you are required to mitigate your losses after an accident. Failing to stick to prescribed treatment could lead to problems getting the compensation you deserve.
Document Every Aspect of the Case
Keep thorough records of all aspects of the case, including photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property conditions that contributed to the incident. Your attorney will use the detailed documentation as evidence to strengthen your claim.
Don’t Discuss Your Case
After the slip and fall incident, the insurance adjusters will likely try to reach out with sympathy calls and offer instant settlements. The property owner’s insurance will try to lowball you and get you to say something that could exonerate them.
The statements you make to insurance companies or on social media platforms can be used against you and may harm your case. Avoid discussing your case with anyone other than your attorney, who should make official communication on your behalf.
Contact a St. Louis Slip and Fall Accident Attorney Today
Taking the necessary steps is not only beneficial for your health as a victim of a slip and fall accident, but it can help in claiming damages. An attorney can guide you and provide legal representation, which can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. Our legal team will help you understand your rights and work to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Call us at (314) 480-3100 for legal advice after your slip and fall accident.
