What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Evansville

At best, slipping and falling in public places is simply embarrassing. At worst, it can cause life-altering injuries. Sometimes these accidents aren’t your fault, but instead are caused by poorly maintained facilities. In this scenario, you may be entitled to compensation for your personal injury, but creating a compelling case against the property owner can be challenging.

When you file a personal injury claim against someone else, you better believe they will try everything in their power to avoid paying the full amount, if anything at all. For the best chance of earning damages, then, you need a strong case.

The following 10 Dos and Don’ts may help you tighten up your case and give you the best shot of getting fully compensated for your slip and fall injury.

Do:

Seek medical attention

Your health should be your top priority and the first thing you take care of after a slip and fall. Have a doctor examine physical injuries and check for any internal injuries, like a concussion.

Take notes of your doctor’s statements

Have your doctor write down a summary of your examination before you leave. This record will help your attorney file a stronger case with direct medical evidence.

File an accident report with the property owner

Make sure the property owner or manager knows about the accident and your injury as soon as possible. Write an accident report and go over it with the owner, signing it when you’re done.

Contact an Evansville personal injury attorney

Once you’ve sought medical attention and are ready to begin seeking compensation, you should consider hiring a lawyer to take your case. A trained attorney will know how to talk to insurance companies and property owners to best represent you, and can take the burden of maintaining the case off your shoulders.

Let your attorney do the talking

The property owner from whom you’re trying to earn compensation may hire his or her own lawyer to try to stall or reduce the amount they pay you. These opposing professionals and their insurance companies know what information will help their case and will try to get you to compromise your case by talking directly with them. Instead, let your attorney speak on your behalf; you’ve hired them to fight for you, so there’s no reason you should have to fight for yourself.

Keep evidence handy

Take pictures of the fall site from several different angles and the physical injuries you sustained as a result. Keep the shoes and other articles of clothing you were wearing during the day of the accident in case the opposing attorney claims you fell because of a wardrobe malfunction.

Don’t:

Speak directly to the property owner about the accident

Only interact with the property owner when you meet to sign the accident report. If he or she has any questions about liability, your attorney should answer them.

Give anyone a recorded statement

Whether it’s the property owner’s insurance or your own, any recorded statement could be used against you. You are not legally obligated to provide any detailed information to insurance companies; tell them to talk to your attorney.

Talk about your injury on social media

Anything you post online is public record, so when pursuing compensation for a slip and fall case, avoid mentioning anything about the accident on the internet. Like a recorded statement, this information could be used against you in the case.

Settle for less than you deserve

You only have one shot to accept a settlement in personal injury cases. Before accepting damages from an insurance company, talk through your case with your lawyer and go over the expenses incurred as a result of the accident. If you take the first offered settlement and your injuries turn out to be more severe than you initially thought, you cannot receive more money.

Help from an Evansville Slip and Fall Lawyer

You should have a trustworthy partner to help you navigate your slip and fall case. Our Evansville personal injury attorneys at Hensley Legal Group will be with you every step of the way and fight for your rights. Call or contact us today for a free consultation about your situation.