No one starts their day with the intention to take a fall and injure themselves. However, a slip and fall accident can happen anywhere. That includes a restaurant, a parking lot, a public library, or a retail store. The chances of a slip and fall accident increase when there is snow, rain, or ice in the forecast.
What happens if you have a slip and fall accident in New York? You might suffer injuries that can require long-term physical therapy. A slip and fall injury can also take you out of work with no viable source of income to pay for your medical expenses. That is why you need to prepare for this type of accident.
Here is what you should do if you experience a slip and fall accident in New York:
Assess Your Situation
You have to assess your situation the moment you accidentally fall. First, are you in a safe place? For instance, if you fall when crossing the street, you want to get to safety ASAP.
If you can not get up, then wait for help. You can ask a passerby to call 911 for medical assistance. That is no time to be a hero and “walk off” the pain. That could only make your injuries worsen.
Gather Evidence
Even though you might be in pain from your accident, you still need to gather evidence in the immediate aftermath. While you wait for medical attention, take photos of the surrounding area. That is vitally important, especially if some wet spot on the floor was the cause of your slip and fall accident.
You can also ask those bystanders who came to your aid if they saw what happened. They can make a declarative statement right on your cell phone.
Report the Incident
You must report the slip and fall accident to the facility manager or owner. That has to happen before your leave that place. If you do not report the incident when it happens, it might be challenging to prove the fall occurred.
Document Your Injuries
It is common in slip and fall accidents for a delay with the injuries. For example, you might not feel the pain for several hours. However, it would be best to document all phases of your injuries with your cell phone camera. Those photos and medical records will be significant evidence for a personal injury claim.
Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney
Soon after your slip and fall accident, you should talk to an experienced NY personal injury attorney. Even if your medical bills are small, there should still be compensation for any expenses resulting from the accident. That experienced attorney will be in the best position to achieve that compensation.
Your personal injury attorney will utilize their legal expertise to negotiate with the property owner and insurance companies on your behalf. To begin those discussions with an attorney, you do not have to wait to fully recover from your injury.
In addition to all the things you need to do after a slip and fall accident, there are also some things you should not do. Consider the following:
Avoid Signing Legal Documents
If you file a report at the site of the accident, you might be asked to sign that document. You need to be extremely careful with those documents. They could be a waiver that prevents you from taking legal action. You should even review a police report before you sign that document.
Don’t Share on Social Media
The only people you should discuss your accident with are your family, doctor, and lawyer. You do not want to post anything about the accident on social media. Even what you think is an innocent medical update for your friends can be considered evidence. The defendants in the case can use that evidence against your claim.
Don’t Accept a Settlement Without Legal Counsel
There might be a rush to settle from the owner of the place where you fell. Your attorney needs to vet any settlement for this type of accident. The first offer from the defendant can be significantly lower than what you are due.
Don’t Hesitate To Call an Attorney
In the days after a slip and fall accident, you might need to find out how long your recovery will take. That includes knowing how much work you might miss. So don’t hesitate to call an attorney to discuss the accident. They can provide you with the information and the best options for the next step. Whether that next step is an insurance claim or filing a lawsuit, your attorney can help you through every phase.
Do You Need a Lawyer after a Slip and Fall Accident in NY?
Hiring an experienced NY slip and fall accident lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. If you experienced severe injuries or were hurt after a fall incident on commercial or public property, you should consult a personal injury attorney about your case. By having legal representation, your lawyer will handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf and work toward securing a fair settlement for your slip and fall accident. Why risk being unfairly compensated and not having recourse to fix it?
When you hire a New York slip and fall accident lawyer from Brandon J. Broderick, you pay nothing upfront. We work on contingent fees that are only collected if we win your case. If we don’t win, you don’t pay. Don’t wait, contact us today for a free consultation. With our proven track record of success and our commitment to client care, we can turn your setback into a comeback.