What to do Following a Slip and Fall Accident
CAPE CORAL, FORT MYERS, LEE COUNTY, FLORIDA
People of any age and physical condition can be gravely injured or die from slips and falls. Slip and fall accidents can happen virtually anywhere: outside or inside, in someone’s home, private property or in a public setting.
There are a number of actions you should take after you have been injured in a slip and fall accident.
- Inspect the area where you fell and record details about the conditions of the area.
- Gather information from witnesses who saw the incident and/or the hazardous area.
- Inform the owner or manager of the house or place of business of the accident so there is a record of the incident.
- Take notes of everything the owner or manager said about the accident and area in which the fall took place.
- Take photographs or video of the area as soon as possible after the incident.
- See a medical doctor as soon as possible after the incident to have your injuries assessed.
There are also a number of actions you should avoid after becoming injured in a slip and fall accident.
- Be careful of what you say verbally to the property owner or manager, as your statement can be used against you in a lawsuit.
- Consult an attorney before making a statement to a claims adjuster, who may get you to admit full or partial responsibility.
- Do not lessen the degree of your pain or injuries to a claims adjuster until you have consulted with a medical professional.
- Do not rush into a settlement with a claims adjuster until you know the full extent of your injuries.
- Before putting anything into writing regarding the incident, make sure all of the facts are stated correctly and fairly and get your own copy.
- If there is a report completed at the time of the incident, request a copy of the report from the person completing the report.
Do not wait to file a claim
The statute of limitations in Florida for claiming injury as a result of slip and fall accidents due to negligence is 4 years from the date of the accident. It will be to your advantage to file a lawsuit (if necessary) as soon as possible so you do not lose your ability to recover compensation from the property owner. Your injuries may seem minor at first and then develop to be more serious over time.
The experienced slip and fall attorneys at Lusk, Drasites, Tolisano & Smith, P.A. can help you get compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and more. Please contact our office as soon as possible so we can get to work on your unique case.
