Most individuals spend almost no time interacting with the civil court system. However, when you find yourself slipping and falling in a store, you might need to file an accident claim with the party responsible and you might not know where to begin.
Tell the Building Owner
After you have had a slip and fall accident, you will want to tell the individual with the highest rank about the accident. For example, if you slipped and fell at a grocery store, you'll want to tell the manager of the grocery store about the accident.
You will still be able to file a claim even if you did not immediately report the accident. However, when you file an accident report immediately, your accident will seem more serious and you will have an easier time gathering evidence to prove that you suffered a slip and fall accident.
Talk to Any Witnesses
One of the most important pieces of evidence for your slip and fall accident is eyewitness testimony. You will need to exchange contact information with witnesses and you will need to ask them if they would like to serve as witnesses. Then, you will want to ask the witness to write down what they saw. Try not to be pushy because you do not want to scare them off.
Take Photographs
If you have a way to do so, take photographs of the scene of the accident. The photographs will be able to prove that the scene of the accident was very dangerous. Your slip and fall accident attorney will be able to use this evidence to prove that the property owner wasn't maintaining the building.
Explain What Happened to Your Healthcare Provider
When you receive medical treatment for the slip and fall accident, make sure to tell the healthcare provider how you became injured. This allows you to avoid any inconsistencies in your medical records. Then, you will be able to connect your injuries to the slip and fall accident and will have an easier time pursuing a settlement as a result.
Talk to a Slip and Fall Accident Attorney
The commercial property owner might ask you to fill out an accident report. You should always talk to your slip and fall accident attorney about whether you're required to do so and whether you will benefit from doing so. Instead, you will want your slip and fall accident attorney to help you write a demand letter so you can begin the process of negotiating a settlement.
For more information, contact a slip and fall accident attorney near you.