Slip and fall accidents are actually one of the most common ways that people in metro Atlanta are injured as a result of someone else’s negligence. Even though these cases are so common, they can be very tough to win. However, there are steps you can take after the accident that will increase your odds of success.
First, seek medical attention if necessary. Your health should be your biggest priority after an accident. Your medical record can also be helpful in your case later to show that you did suffer injuries as a result of the accident.
Next, make a report at the business or residential location where you fell. It’s essential that you let the store manager, landlord, or homeowner know that you fell. Tell them the location where you fell and what caused you to fall. If a report is taken, read it carefully to ensure that it’s correct. Make a note of who you spoke with about your accident. If you are too injured to make a report immediately, call the next day to report the accident.
Because slip and fall accident cases can be so hard to prove, it’s important to keep evidence of your fall. If your fall occurred in a store or restaurant, save the receipt. Also, keep the shoes and clothes you were wearing when you fell. In some cases, if you slipped in a substance on the floor, it can be difficult later to prove there actually was a substance on the floor and that it caused your fall. Tests may be able to be performed later to determine what the substance was.
You should also take photos of the exact area where the fall occurred. Use your cell phone’s camera to snap pictures of the area, any substance on the floor that may have caused your fall, pictures of your injuries, and any damage to your clothing. Finally, witnesses can help your case a great deal. Obtain the contact information of any witnesses who may have seen you fall. They can help verify that you fell, where the fall occurred, if any substance was on the floor that caused you to fall, and how long the substance was on the floor. Get as much contact information from the witness or witnesses as you can.
Finally, you should contact an attorney. Retaining an attorney to help with your slip and fall case will greatly benefit your case. Your attorney can help advise you on the law and your legal options. The attorney can help gather and preserve evidence in your case, such as witness statements and surveillance video. The attorney can help with negotiations with an insurance company, or can take the case to trial.
If you have suffered injuries in a fall on another individual’s or business’s property, call the personal injury attorneys at Holston & Huntley. Call us today- consultations are free and you are under no obligation to use our services. We serve Metro Atlanta Georgia as well as Birmingham Alabama including surrounding areas.
