Written By: Pascal Moleus, Esq
Slip and fall accidents are particularly troublesome because they can happen anywhere to anyone. The weather doesn’t necessarily have to be snowy or icy to cause a fall. Most of us will suffer a fall at some point in our lives – and, more likely than not, it won’t be our fault.
Owners of buildings, homes, parking lots, and walkways in Maryland must maintain a level of safety for those who travel on their premises. This is referred to as premises liability. It means that if you’re injured on someone’s property – due to their negligence –you could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost time at work, and more.
GDH LAW understands that the first steps you take after a slip and fall accident are crucial to building your case. Here are 8 steps you should take after a slip and fall accident to place yourself in the best position to win your case:
1.Seek Medical Help – Your health is your top priority. Seek immediate medical attention. Obtaining medical attention will allow you to document your injuries which in turn allows you to provide proof if you choose to seek compensation for your medical bills.
2.Report The Accident – If you fell in a store, in an apartment building, on black ice, or anywhere else, make sure you report your accident to the manager, owner, or landlord. Ask the business manager or landlord to make a report of the accident and obtain a copy of that report before you leave.
3.Keep Calm – If you got injured on a homeowner’s property, keep calm and limit your communication with the homeowner. Don’t get angry or say anything that you may regret. Focus on getting medical treatment for your injuries.
4. Avoid Giving the Insurance Company a Recorded Statement – Claims adjusters try very hard to get injured parties to give them recorded statements. They typically will have you agree to allow them to record a question and answer session over the phone. Although the idea seems harmless, your recorded statement locks in your own words about your injuries. The claims adjuster will ask questions designed to produce answers that sound like you are downplaying your injuries and downplaying the property owner’s liability. This statement will then come back to haunt you every step of the way. Don’t fall for it. You have absolutely nothing to gain from giving the claims adjuster a recorded statement. More likely than not, you neither have all the information about your injuries nor do you know what happened on the property before you were injured. Claims adjusters are not entitled to a recorded statement. Just say no to giving them a recorded statement.
5. Take As Many Photos As Possible – Take pictures of the EXACT location where you fell,
including stairs, railings, ice patches, or any other condition that caused the fall. It’s important to document the date and time of your accident because evidence can disappear and conditions can change.
6. Get Witness Info – Collect the names, phone numbers, and addresses of any possible witnesses. Doing so will make proving your case much easier, should you have to go to trial.
7. Preserve Your Shoes and Clothing – Place the shoes and clothing you were wearing at the time of the accident in a safe storage place. They may be relevant evidence at a later date.
8. Call GDH LAW – When considering legal action, the most valuable person on your side is an experienced attorney. Since many slip and fall cases are difficult to prove, you need the resources of a successful law firm. GDH LAW has the experience, knowledge, and history of success to recover the money you deserve from a slip and fall accident.
