For many, the first thing one does after a fall, is to ricochet back and shake it off. A slip and fall incident may not seem like a major deal, but injuries such as broken bones and slipped discs can occur. You might not even notice severe injuries right away because you’re caught up in the embarrassment of the fall itself and/or the symptoms are not immediately evident. Nonetheless, it’s important to follow the proper steps after any type of slip and fall in Georgia.
Get the Correct Medical Treatment
It’s important to seek medical attention right away. What you might think is muscle soreness or a simple bruised bone may be a sprain or fracture. One might wait weeks before seeking medical attention but doing so can make the claim process more difficult. Visiting a medical center right away will help to diagnose and treat the injury AND it documents your injuries if you were to make a claim.
Take Account of the Scene as Soon as Possible
In addition to the documentation proving that you received medical treatment, it’s vital that you take note of the surrounding in which your slip and fall accident happened. Pictures are important, as well as notes accounting for the type of footwear you were wearing, the weather conditions and if there were any hazardous conditions such as slippery floors or objects in the way.
Request the Names & Contact Info of Any Witnesses
This task can be dubious on the off chance that you need to leave the scene promptly medical, however in the case that you’re capable, request short written statements from any observers who saw you fall. In the event that nobody saw the fall itself, request statements from any individuals that came to assist you after your fall or witnessed you in pain at the scene of your slip & fall injury.
Report the Fall & Ask for a Copy of the Report
If the fall occurred at work, you’ll need to report the event to your supervisor. If you were at a store, ask to speak to the store manager. Try to receive a record of your fall in writing so you have evidence when making your claim. Surveillance footage can help you greatly if the scene of the fall happened to have security cameras.
Don’t Point Fingers
After your slip and fall accident, try to limit how much you say to your supervisor, landlord, store manager, etc. Rather than focusing on who’s to blame for your accident, focus on your medical treatment and acquiring the records you need.
Avoid Giving a Statement to the Insurance Company
In certain instances, a property owner’s insurance company may reach out to receive a statement from you, do not speak with an insurance adjuster.
Contact a Georgia Slip and Fall Attorney
If you have suffered injuries from a slip and fall incident in the Georgia area, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries. Help yourself by calling Joshi & Patel, so you can focus on recovery and we can focus on your case. Time is of essence. Let our experience and know how work in your favor. Do not delay as valuable evidence may be lost.
