Suppose you or someone you care about has been harmed in a slip and fall accident at work. In that case, it’s critical to remember that the initial steps taken following the incident are essential to creating the strongest possible legal case.
Nobody expects you to represent yourself in a slip and fall scenario. Experienced slip and fall attorneys from oklahomalawyer.com and other reputable firms would highly advise against this since it could jeopardize your case. However, there are steps you can take immediately following an accident to assist you in negotiating a more favorable settlement with the insurance company representing the business or employer responsible for your slip and fall.
Here is what you should do after a slip and fall accident at work
1. Schedule An Appointment With A Physician
To begin, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately following a workplace slip and fall. This is an essential safety precaution, and it may also assist in establishing evidence in your case. A doctor can document and diagnose your injuries. If you feel you’ve been hurt, consult a physician immediately following the accident. It will aid in the establishment of a record of any injury sustained in the collision.
A consultation with a physician may also assist you in developing a timeline for your injury. On behalf of your employer, defense attorneys will attempt to establish that your injuries occurred outside the workplace. They’ll be unable to argue that your injuries were caused by another accident if you see a doctor as soon as possible.
2. Report The Event
Notify the manager, owner, or employer immediately if you slip, trip, or fall anywhere—in a warehouse, on a pathway, or at a work site. Remember to obtain a formal report of the incident by getting one from the management, owner, or employer before departing the area.
3. Conduct An Examination Of The Matter And Amass Evidence
What threw you off balance? Was there debris that may easily cause someone to trip? Was the floor moist? Is it possible that the business permitted an abnormally high volume of people to work concurrently for a special event? The ideal time to investigate what caused your slip and fall is immediately after it occurs. Consider your surroundings for a moment. After determining what caused your fall, you might reflect on what employers and staff could have done differently to prevent it.
While the jury can hear witnesses and see the incident, viewing photographs have a much more significant impact. Capture the scene, even if you’re unsure of the subject. Utilize your smartphone – take pictures of the ground, your immediate surroundings, and even the place where the incident occurred. Following that, your lawyer can assist you in determining what’s most critical. Photographs may be vital in convincing the jury that your account of the events is correct.
4. Locate And Interrogate Potential Eyewitnesses
Witnesses are crucial for the corroboration of your account of events. If your slip and fall occur in a workplace, other workers may be your most excellent witnesses. It’s critical to obtain their contact information to summon them to testify on your behalf. Inquire for the witnesses’ names, telephone numbers, addresses, and email addresses. Additionally, you might request a brief explanation of what they observed.
When you deal with an attorney, you can expect them to contact potential witnesses immediately. They’ll request a complete written statement from them. If no third-party witnesses are available, you may still have a strong case for reimbursement. Having witnesses on your side, on the other hand, can prevent the defense from challenging your account of events.
5. Enhance The Formality Of Your Reports
A corporation may require a copy of your accident report for its records. Make a statement. Avoid embellishments, but ensure that all necessary details are included. It’s essential to prepare an official report to expedite the processing of your claim. Because the complaint is on file, the other party can’t claim that you did not take your accident seriously at the time it occurred.
If you’re unsure, jot down all the pertinent pieces of information. As soon as possible, sit down and compose a narrative of what occurred. Include all relevant information, including the tiniest nuances. Your memory can deteriorate rapidly; what seems self-evident now may be challenging to recall the next day. Maintain an accurate record of your injuries, suffering, and symptoms. Your lawyer can assist you in putting everything together to file your claim.
6. Schedule A Consultation With A Lawyer
While taking legal action, it’s critical to have an experienced lawyer on your side. Due to the complexity and difficulty of many slip, trip, and fall situations, you’re best served by the resources of successful law practice. Select an attorney who possesses the necessary experience, abilities, and track record of success to assist you in obtaining the money to which you’re entitled.
Takeaway
When a property owner’s negligence results in a fall and subsequent injury, the injured party is entitled to reimbursement for medical bills and other damages. Regrettably, the property owner and its insurance carrier may contest your claim or attempt to underpay you. Take the above-mentioned steps to assist in the protection of your rights.
