What to do if you are hurt in a fall
If you are injured in a fall, it is important that you act quickly to protect your rights. In order to prove negligence and recover from a property owner, manager, or maintenance company, there are a number of requirements you must meet. Below are some steps that you can take to give yourself the best possible chance of a positive outcome when pursuing a claim against a negligent party for injuries sustained in a fall.
Take photographs
In order to pursue a claim against a property owner, you must show that there was a dangerous condition that the owner had notice of or created. In the case of a temporary condition (like a liquid spill on a floor or ice in a parking lot), photographs of the condition are very helpful for showing what the condition was and how long it was present.
Get witness information
Eyewitnesses are helpful for proving how the fall occurred. If you do not get their information at the scene, you might never be able to obtain their testimony later on about what happened. In many cases, the eyewitness testimony is the deciding factor in helping us prove the case.
Report the incident
Make sure that the people responsible for the property know that the fall occurred. Be very clear about what caused your fall. Keep in mind that any statement that you make minimizing your condition or how the fall occurred, even casual jokes, can be used against you later if you pursue a claim. Try to get the names of any employees to whom the incident is reported.
Tell medical providers what happened
If you are injured in the fall, it is important to get immediate medical treatment. If you pursue a claim, the medical records will be essential to showing how the fall occurred and the extent of your injuries. Make sure that the doctors know how the fall occurred, what caused the fall, and the full extent of your injuries. Also make sure the follow any treatment recommendations that the doctors give you.
Talk to an attorney
Because of the importance of showing that a dangerous condition existed, how it was created, and how long it was present, an immediate investigation is essential. An attorney will visit the scene, take photographs, interview witnesses, investigate responsible parties, and possibly hire an investigator. In addition, an attorney will make sure that all possible responsible parties (including all property owners, managers, and maintenance companies) are on notice of the claim.
It is important to immediately consult with an experienced personal injury attorney if you are injured in a fall on another person’s property. At Warren McGraw & Knowles, we will perform a thorough investigation to make sure we prove who was at fault and identify all sources of recovery. If you’ve been hurt in a fall, contact the attorneys at Warren McGraw & Knowles to protect your rights and get the compensation that you deserve.