Protect Your Rights And Claims After A Slip-And-Fall Accident
One second, you are walking along and minding your own business, and then you slip and fall. It is understandable that you feel embarrassed and want to get up and move on as quickly as possible, but that may not be in your best interests. What you do in those next moments could make a difference in receiving the compensation you deserve.
Resist the urge to say, “I’m sorry,” and discuss what happened. Save those details for when you contact an attorney. R. Steven Waldron, Attorney at Law, in Murfreesboro, offers a free consultation to discuss your rights and legal options. Anything you say at the scene could affect your insurance settlement or claim.
Step one: Seek medical attention. Depending on how and where you fell, you could suffer serious injuries, even if you do not feel any pain right away. Adrenalin and shock can mask injuries you did not know you suffered. In addition to making sure you get the treatment you need, any medical records could prove invaluable in a premises liability claim.
Step two: Report the incident. Inform the property owner or manager that you fell and suffered injuries. Depending on where the accident took place, you may need to fill out paperwork. Ask for copies of everything, especially if employees, security personnel, or the police made a report. If no formal procedure or forms exist, obtain contact information for the property owner or manager so that you can send a letter outlining details such as the date, time and location of the incident.
Step three: Gather as much information as possible. If anyone witnessed your fall, ask for his or her contact information. Most people have phones with cameras in them – take photos of the scene right away to document the conditions and any visible injuries you may have. Take notes regarding what happened, including any hazardous conditions that contributed to your fall such as a wet floor, a loose tile or a foreign substance on the floor or ground that should not be there.
Step four: Do not feel pressured into making a statement. Do not discuss the details of your potential claim with anyone except your lawyer. Insurance company representatives may want you to make a statement right away and before you are prepared, but you do not have to until you are ready. Any statements you make in the immediate aftermath of your accident could come back to haunt you. Refrain from discussing the accident until you speak with an attorney.
Do Not Hesitate To Protect Your Rights
If you suffered a slip-and-fall accident here in Tennessee, R. Steven Waldron, Attorney at Law, can help you navigate the claims process. To schedule a free consultation at the Murfreesboro law office, call 615-890-7365 or fill out an online contact form. Attorney Steve Waldron takes cases on a contingency fee basis, so you will never have to worry about legal fees until he wins compensation for you.