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Learn the Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident

If you fell on someone else’s property – even if it was public property – then you may have a premises liability case. However, even if it was someone else’s fault and they can be held financially responsible, you will only get the outcome you’re looking for if you take certain steps. Read on to learn more about your rights and obligations. Then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for more information.

Start by focusing on your health

After the accident, your number one concern should be getting the medical attention you need. Falls can be serious for anyone but that’s even more true for people 65 years or older. According to one survey, 5% of all work fatalities for women and 11% of all work fatal injuries for men were the result of a fall.

Depending on the way you landed and what you fell on, you may have injuries to your hips and legs. You may have broken bones, you may have a brain injury or even a spinal cord injury. Even a minor injury needs immediate medical attention to ensure that it’s not worse than it seems.

Don’t sign any statements from the owner of the property until you speak to an attorney

If a property owner knows that their negligence caused a slip and fall accident, they may very well try to get you to sign a statement or form that negates your right to sue or otherwise limits their responsibility in the fall. You should never sign this type of document without reading it in full. If you read it and aren’t 100% confident that you agree with everything in it, then you should reach out to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas so we can review it before you sign.

Write down everything that happened

As soon as possible after the accident, take a few moments to write down all the details of the accident. This should include what happened to you before, during, and after the fall, but it should also include anything the owner of the property or manager on duty said to you.

In some cases, it could be years until your case is resolved. You may think that you’ll remember these details forever but the best way to ensure you have access to them is to write them down and then put them in a secure place. You should also give this information to your personal injury attorney.

Investigate the situation surrounding your fall

Do you know what you fell on or what caused your fall? If not, go to the location where you fell and try to find out. Take pictures if you can. The reason you fell is likely to be a determining factor in whether or not the owner is legally responsible for your fall. They may also know they made a mistake and immediately make repairs. While this is good for the safety of others, it can make it more challenging to prove what happened.

Have you been injured as a result of a fall? If so, reach out to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 right away. We are here to offer a free case evaluation.