Slip-and-fall cases contribute to thousands of deaths each year, ranking second to automobile accidents.
If you are in a decent state after a fall, the first steps you should take are to write down the addresses, names, and phone numbers of anyone in the vicinity that can serve as a witness.
Speak with a manager or business owner on duty if the fall happens at a store or business.
Get them to record the accident, so there will be evidence when it comes time to make a claim.
This is called an 'incident report'.
Take pictures of the uneven surface or hazardous area.
The photos will be further evidence to support your case and receive the proper settlement.
After receiving the proper medical attention it is important to determine if a property owner is liable for your injury.
The property owner must have directly contributed to the fall by not maintaining a safe area.
This would include wet floors, uneven/hazardous surfaces, dangerously placed item, etc.
If an injury attorney can prove that the owner neglected to repair the dangerous surface, then you may have a decent settlement on your hands.
In many cases an expert witness is required.
This is a person who has knowledge in a particular field and can scientifically prove if a surface was 'slick' or 'hazardous'.
These steps are crucial when dealing with slip-and-fall cases.
It is important to make claims immediately because fresh evidence can only help strengthen your case and increase your settlement.