After a Slip and Fall
Steps to Take Following a Slip and Fall Accident in Barrie
Your actions immediately following the slip and fall play an important role in your ability to file a slip and fall claim. Act quickly to improve the integrity of your claim. Following these steps will also help protect your right to seek compensation.
Speak With a Doctor
Telling your doctor about your injuries and what caused them helps him provide you with better care. And the more he knows about your accident, the more detailed he or she can be in your medical records and injury assessments. Being honest about your injuries can help create an accurate record of your injuries, which the insurance company needs to process your claim.
Report the Accident
If you have not already, contact the property owner or manager and tell them that you slipped and fell on their property. Provide basic details of what happened, including what you slipped on and where it occurred. Be polite and cordial. You do not need to provide further details at this time.
Document Everything
We tend to forget details quickly, so the sooner you can write down details about the accident, the better. You should write down:
- What you were doing immediately before the accident
- How the area looked (crowded, dirty, dimly lit, etc.).
- How you came across the hazard
- What the hazard was (substance, damage, item, etc.)
You should also keep a record of how you feel after the accident, including how your injuries limit and affect your normal daily life.
Say Nothing to Insurance
The insurance company will ask you to give a recorded statement, which is their opportunity to get you to admit partial fault or agree your injuries are not that bad. Do not give a statement unless you first discuss it with your lawyer.
Before you sign anything, make sure your lawyer reviews the document first. The insurance company might try to get you to sign a medical release form to obtain access to your full medical history, which they might use to argue your injuries are pre-existing. Or the insurer may try to get you to sign a settlement agreement, which usually does not account for all your damages.
Role of a Lawyer
An attorney will review your accident to identify the most appropriate evidence, and then actively compile it. Here are just some of the things they do to adequately support your claim with evidence:
- Request surveillance video from the property owner.
- Compile any photos you took of the accident scene or your injuries.
- Contact eyewitnesses to gather their testimony.
- Review your medical records.
- Set up testimony by expert witnesses, such as an accident reconstructionist.
Contact a lawyer as soon as you have experienced a slip and fall accident and injury in order to receive the best care and receive the optimal amount of compensation for your damages.
