In the immediate aftermath of your injuries, you may be confused, in shock, and unsure of what to do after a slip and fall accident. However, it is important to remain calm and find your bearings so you can protect yourself from further injury and preserve evidence that can help you prove someone else’s negligence caused your accident. During this time, you may find it difficult to focus on anything other than the severity of your injuries.
If this is the case, trust your premises liability claim to a top-rated Philadelphia slip and fall accident lawyer from Rand Spear. At-fault parties Fear the Spear. You can make them pay when you take the necessary steps to demand justice after a slip-and-fall accident.
Your Steps After Your Slip and Fall Could Affect Your Case More than You Think
It is easy to panic and be overwhelmed by excruciating pain and the trauma of your accident. However, if you can remain calm and take the following steps, you can increase your chances of maximizing the compensation you recover. These are not the only things you will need to do after your slip and fall, but your premises liability lawyer with Rand Spear can handle most of the other legal elements of your case.
Call for Help
Immediately after the slip and fall, call 911 for help. Even if you believe your slip and fall injuries are minor, calling for an ambulance or requesting law enforcement officials arrive at the accident scene can only benefit your case. If the police file an accident report, we can request a copy of this report to use when we negotiate your settlement with the insurance company or present your case at trial.
Collect Evidence at the Scene of Your Slip and Fall
While you wait for help, you can start to collect evidence. According to Pennsylvania’s 25 Pa. Code §1021.122, the burden of proof in personal injury cases is based on a preponderance of the evidence. This does not mean we need to prove liability beyond a reasonable doubt.
Instead, we prove liability based on a preponderance of the evidence. The evidence we present should be clear and convince the jury of the defendant’s liability for your accident and resulting injuries. This means the evidence must be powerful.
You might speak with witnesses and get their contact information. Now would also be a good time to take photos of your injuries and perhaps video footage of the accident scene. Anything that we can use to help determine how the accident occurred and demonstrate the defendant’s violation of their duty of care will go a long way in your lawsuit.
Get a Medical Evaluation
Do not avoid medical attention. Your injuries may appear minor, but that may be because you are in shock. With adrenaline coursing through your veins, you may not feel the full impact of your injuries immediately after your slip and fall accident.
What you might have initially believed was a sprain could turn out to be a full-blown break if you attempt to walk on an injured ankle, for example. You may have suffered head trauma that you mistake for minor dizziness or be at risk for paralysis if you suffered a spinal cord or neck injury that is left untreated. These are just a couple of examples of worst-case scenarios, but do not risk it.
Your medical records will be valuable evidence. The defense may even attempt to use your failure to get medical attention immediately after the accident against you. It could call into question whether you share responsibility for the severity of your injuries, which we do not want.
Call a Slip and Fall Accident Attorney for Help
When you are unsure of what to do after a slip and fall accident, the best way to maximize your compensation may be to call a slip and fall accident lawyer for help. Rand Spear The Accident Lawyer can handle every legal detail on your behalf. You can focus on your healing journey while your personal injury lawyer investigates, establishes blame, and starts building a powerful case against those responsible.
Report the Accident to Your Employer
You may also need to report the accident to your employer. If your accident was work-related, the sooner you report the incident, the better. You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits as described under Pennsylvania’s 1915 Act 338 in addition to your personal injury settlement damages, depending on who is responsible.
You may also need to notify your employer of the accident if your injuries are catastrophic. They will need to know that you will be out of work until your healthcare provider clears you to return. You may be able to access additional employee benefits that could help you get by while you are temporarily unable to earn a living.
Take Action Sooner to Avoid Missing the Claim Filing Deadline
Make sure you take action on your claim as soon as possible after the accident. Depending on the state where the accident occurred, according to 42 Pa.CS §5524 in Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations will not expire until two years from the date of the incident. However, your legal team needs as much time as possible to build a powerful case.
Remember, missing the statute of limitations means you lose your right to a trial. This means you could be forfeiting additional compensation you would otherwise be entitled to. Although you may be intimidated, with Rand Spear The Accident Lawyer advocating for your rights, you can rest easier.
Demand Rand. Schedule Your Free Consult with a Reputable Slip and Fall Lawyer Today
Now that you have more insight into what to do after a slip and fall accident, it is time to take action. If you have not done so already, call emergency responders for help and reach out to a high-powered slip and fall accident lawyer from Rand Spear The Accident Lawyer. With over 200 years of combined experience and $750,000,000+ recovered for our clients over the years, you can feel empowered with our legal team advocating for your rights.
Once you have retained our services, we can begin investigating your accident, quantifying the value of your damages, and filing the necessary claims with the insurance company. We may be able to avoid going to trial entirely if we can secure a sizable settlement from the insurer that fully meets your needs. Call our office or complete our convenient contact to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation as soon as today.
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