Slip and fall accidents often occur due to hazards like uneven pavement, unattended spills, and unsafe property structures. If you are injured in a slip and fall accident, you may have the right to pursue a legal claim against the property owner.
However, the actions that you take immediately after the accident could have a major impact on your future claim. In these situations, it is important to take the necessary steps to gather evidence, seek medical care, and enlist the help of a Georgia personal injury lawyer.
Seek Medical Care
The very first step that you should take after a slip and fall injury is to seek medical attention. Go to the hospital and save all records related to your injuries and any treatment that you received. These records will serve as an important piece of evidence in your claim.
You should always go to the doctor after a slip and fall, even if you do not feel hurt. Some slip and fall injuries do not show symptoms until a few hours or even days after the initial accident.
File a Report About the Accident
If you are able, you should report the slip and fall accident to the proper authorities. Usually, you have the option to report the accident to a property manager, owner, or landlord. Make sure to request documentation of the accident in writing and obtain a report from the owner, manager, or landlord.
Gather and Document Evidence
Next, you should collect as much evidence about the accident as possible. Collect the property owner’s name and contact information for your future claim. If he or she has insurance, ask for his or her policy details.
Take as many photographs and videos of the accident scene as possible, including:
The exact location of where you fell
The hazard that caused your accident
The area around the accident scene
Any visible injuries that you sustained
You should also store the clothes and the shoes that you were wearing at the time of the accident in a safe location. These items may serve as important pieces of evidence in your future case.
Identify Witnesses
Any witnesses who saw the slip and fall accident happen could be valuable. These individuals can corroborate important facts about your accident and may even offer new information that could support your case. After your slip and fall, ask any witnesses in the area for their names and their contact information.
Contact a Georgia Slip and Fall Accident Attorney
Finally, you should contact an attorney who can represent your lawsuit against the property owner. Your slip and fall accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and will gather the evidence necessary to establish your right to a fair settlement.
Speaking to a lawyer is one of the most important steps that you should take after a slip and fall accident. An attorney is dedicated to protecting your best interests and will do everything in his or her power to make the process as smooth as possible.
As soon as possible after your accident, contact a slip and fall accident lawyer in Augusta to discuss your case and strategize your next steps. Your attorney will evaluate your case and help identify your optimal path to recovery.
