What to Do After a Slip and Fall Injury

Disoriented and injured after a slip and fall accident, the last thing you might be thinking about is legal recourse. However, if your fall was caused by someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. 

No one wants to go into a complicated legal battle over an injury they could have been avoided, but if this is the path you choose, it is best to go forward with as much information as possible. That is why the dedicated legal team at The Pollard Firm has put together this comprehensive guide including all the essential steps to take after a slip and fall injury on another person's property in California.

Understanding Premises Liability

In California, property owners have a legal duty to maintain a safe environment for visitors. This is known as premises liability. If a hazardous condition exists on the property that the owner knew about or should have known about, and they failed to take reasonable steps to fix it or warn visitors, they could be held liable for any injuries that occur.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Slip and Fall

• Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation to document the extent of your damages.
• Report the Incident: If the fall occurred at a business, report it to a manager or employee. If it happened on public property, file an accident report with the appropriate authority.
• Gather Evidence: If possible, take pictures of the scene of the fall, including the hazardous condition that caused it and your injuries. Note the date, time, and weather conditions.
• Collect Witness Information: If anyone witnessed your fall, get their contact details. Their statements can be crucial evidence.

Like with any other kind of accident caused by another party’s negligence, it is normal for your initial reaction to be shock or even anger. But the important thing is that you are able to move past these emotions and channel those feelings in a productive way.

Protecting Your Rights

The moments immediately following an accident may prove to be some of the most important to your case. This is why it is crucial that you are aware of your rights before something like this happens and you accidentally harm your case. 

• Do not discuss fault: Avoid admitting fault or apologizing at the scene. This can be misconstrued as accepting responsibility for the accident and law enforcement or the other party can use this against you. Never admit fault, even if it does seem like it was your fault. There could be other factors at play that your attorney finds after the fact. 
• Do not sign releases: Property owners or their insurance companies might try to get you to sign a release form in exchange for a quick settlement. Don't sign anything before consulting with an attorney. In many cases, the initial settlement offer is far from what you are owed and not even enough to cover your medical expenses and emotional damages. 
• Contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible: Every second counts in a personal injury claim. A slip and fall lawyer can evaluate your case, determine liability, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

The Pollard Firm: Here to Help

At The Pollard Firm, our experienced personal injury attorneys in California understand the physical, emotional, and financial hardships caused by slip and fall accidents. We will work tirelessly to investigate your claim, build a strong case, and hold negligent property owners accountable.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the legal process and recover the compensation you deserve.