What To Do After a Slip-and-Fall Accident
Experiencing a slip-and-fall accident in a business or another person’s home can feel embarrassing. You may initially be tempted to brush the incident under the rug and pretend it never happened, all while masking significant pain. However, taking the right steps after an accident, such as contacting a slip-and-fall lawyer in Wisconsin, is important to securing the compensation you need to move forward.
Learn what to do after a slip-and-fall accident.
Document the Accident Scene and Report It to the Property Owner
While you may not want to bring additional attention to your accident, reporting it to the property owner as soon as possible can aid your compensation claim. If your accident happened at a business, the business owner will likely create an incident report detailing the accident. If it happened at a friend’s home, you should make them aware of the hazard that caused your injuries.
Documenting the accident scene can give you solid evidence to use toward your claim. If possible, you should:
- Take photos and videos of the hazard that caused you to slip and fall
- Write down the contact information for any witnesses so they can provide witness statements
- Record the time and location of the accident
- Request security camera footage of the incident
Seek Medical Attention As Soon As Possible
If you experienced serious injuries in your slip-and-fall accident, seeking medical attention should be your highest priority. Only take the time to document the accident first if you are physically able to.
Seeking medical attention quickly can help you address any underlying injuries before they worsen. However, when you visit a doctor for medical treatment, you also gain valuable documentation that you can use toward your claim. You’ll have compelling evidence showing exactly how the accident affected you — and how much money it cost you.
Watch What You Say About the Accident
Knowing what to do after a slip-and-fall accident also involves knowing what not to do. It may feel normal to post about your accident on social media, talk about it with friends and family, or even reach out to the property owner directly to discuss your case. But you should avoid talking about your accident with anyone but your attorney.
The at-fault party may twist your words to show that your injuries are not as severe as you stated or that you misremember details of the accident.
Hire a Slip-and-Fall Accident Attorney To Guide Your Next Steps
If you’re considering pursuing compensation for your fall injuries, you need an experienced attorney in your corner. A skilled slip-and-fall attorney can:
- Guide you through a liability insurance claim
- Gather evidence to show property owner liability
- Communicate with all relevant parties on your behalf
- File paperwork to begin a lawsuit, if necessary
- Represent you in court or help you reach a settlement out of court
Partner With Our Experienced Slip-and-Fall Attorneys in Wisconsin
Now that you know what to do after a slip-and-fall accident, it’s time to contact a reputable attorney to assist you. Contact Novitzke, Gust, Sempf, Whitley & Bergmanis or call us today at 715-268-6130 or for a legal consultation about your slip-and-fall injuries