What to Do After a Loved One’s Slip and Fall Injury
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Slip and fall injuries may appear less severe in our imaginations. However, when they occur, they usually have the potential to cause severe injuries and financial implications that may go on to leave unforgettable scars on one’s life.
After a severe slip and fall injury, victims are usually not in the best condition to make the necessary arrangements on their behalf. And that is where you, the brother, sister, or parent, step in.
If you are fortunate to be present in the scene where a loved one slipped and fell, what steps do you take? Do you call the Police or a lawyer? In this post, we have outlined the necessary steps to take after a loved one gets involved in a slip and fall accident.
Common Injuries Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents usually result in injuries that may be minor or severe. These injuries may include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken hips or pelvis
- Shoulder or neck injury
- Limb fracture
- Torn ligaments, tendons, and muscles
Slip and fall injuries can significantly affect the physical, mental, and emotional health of victims. They can as well have a huge implication on their finances. So to minimize the effects of slip and fall accidents on a loved one and boost their chances of obtaining the compensation they deserve, you need to know how to act.
Here are a few things to do after a loved one’s slip and fall injury.
1. Prioritize Medical Care Before anything else
Regardless of how minor the fall may seem, taking your loved one for a medical checkup will ensure that there are no hidden injuries. It will also serve as proof that your loved one got injured. Slips and falls can cause injuries that may not be obvious immediately. In fact, sometimes, victims may not realize how badly they are hurt. Taking your loved one to a hospital or calling an ambulance (for severe cases) will ensure that minor injuries don’t exacerbate.
2. Alert Management To The Issue Immediately
Where did the slip and fall incident take place? Is it in a bank? Alert the bank’s management to the problem immediately. The same applies to other places like stores, hospitals, schools, etc.
It is vital that you alert management to ensure that they are aware of the issue. The management has to retain evidence (such as surveillance footage from a security camera) that might come in handy in a lawsuit later.
Failure to alert the necessary individual in the area where the accident occurred will hinder the chances of getting the compensation your loved one deserves.
3. Contact a Lawyer
If your loved one was involved in a slip and fall accident, and you are confused about what to do, contact an Atlanta Slip and Fall Attorney for help. The same goes for if you encounter any issues with the property owner. Slip and fall attorneys can be beneficial should the negligent party decide not to settle your loved one or choose to offer an inadequate settlement.
4. Take Photos of the Accident Area
How do you prove that an accident took place in a fruit shop? What is the evidence that your loved one slipped on a wet area that wasn’t cordoned off?
The best way to obtain proof of a slip and fall accident is by taking photographs of the accident area. Take clear pictures and, if possible, videos of the accident scene before anyone cleans it up. Then, if the management decides to deny your claim, you’ll have substantial proof.
5. Keep Important Pieces of Evidence
Evidence usually plays a crucial role in slip and fall incidents. Since not everyone would trust what you or the victim say, it’s best you present evidence to back your claims.
Keep your loved one’s clothing and shoes as evidence. If there are broken glasses around, you can add them to your collection of evidence.
Did the victim’s phone crack due to the fall? You could use that as evidence as well. These pieces of evidence will come in handy when your loved one plans to file a claim against the property owner for negligence.
Conclusion
Premises liability cases like slip and fall are quite common in Atlanta. However, not all victims of such accidents get the compensation they deserve. So to ensure that your loved one gets compensated, you need to prove that the injury was a result of the negligence of the property owner and not your loved one. If you aren’t sure of how to do that, contact a slip and fall attorney for help.
*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.
