What should I do after a slip-and-fall?

Not many people think about the possibility of an accident while shopping at mall, eating at their favorite restaurant, or visiting a friend. Unfortunately, slip-and-fall accidents can happen anywhere at any time. These slip-and-fall accidents can result in traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord damage, and other significant injuries.

If you were injured in a slip-and-fall accident while out and about in Charlotte, you may be able to file a claim for damages against the owner of the property where the accident occurred. Many slip-and-falls occur due to the property owner’s negligence in failing to properly inspect the premises, failing to properly maintain the premises, or failing to make timely repairs. Here are some steps you should take following your accident to give yourself the best chance at recovering compensation after a slip-and-fall:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible – Many injuries seem minor at first but can later turn into major problems. The sooner you seek medical attention the better. It can also be beneficial for your case to have medical records documenting your injuries, treatments, and surgeries resulting from the accident.
• Report your accident – You should report the accident to the store manager, property owner, or landlord as soon as possible and make sure the details of the incident are in writing. Accident reports are critical pieces of evidence in slip-and-fall cases. However, you should avoid making statements about the accident to anyone before speaking with an attorney.
• Collect witness information – If your accident occurred in a store or restaurant, it was likely witnessed by multiple people. Collect contact information for all witnesses, as their testimony may be able to help support your claims.
• Document the incident – Write down every detail you can about the incident. Make sure you hold on to the clothes and shoes you were wearing, collect surveillance footage, and take photos of the scene of the accident.

The most important step of all may be contacting a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the accident. An attorney with experience handling slip-and-fall cases can make sure you have all the evidence you need to file a successful claim against the parties responsible for your accident.