It is officially autumn. The season where we have come to expect pumpkin spice flavored hot beverages, temperatures to drop, and leaves to turn bright reds, yellows, and oranges before falling to the ground. But no one expects to trip or slip and fall and get hurt in fall, or in any other season for that matter. Falls, by their very nature, are accidental, not planned. But when something that you did not plan for happens, it can be difficult to know what to do. A sudden and unexpected injury can be scary and cause a sense of panic. What happens during the aftermath of a slip and fall accident can also impact a person’s ability to recover. To make sure that you are prepared for the unexpected, here is a list of what to do in case you are ever injured in a slip and fall accident:
- Obtain medical treatment. If you have any reason to believe that you may have suffered an injury after a slip and fall, you need to obtain prompt medical treatment. After an accident, you may know that you bumped your head, but you may not know the full extent of your injuries. Only a trained medical expert who knows what to look for after an accident can make sure that all of your injuries are identified. Prompt treatment is not only good for one’s safety, but it also aids in recovery. An insurance company will try to argue that any delay in treatment suggests that the accident may not have caused the injury.
- Document the scene of the accident. As soon as possible after the fall, assess the scene and try to determine what caused you to fall. Was there water or ice on the ground? Did you trip over something on the ground? If you can, use the camera on your cell phone to take photographs of the scene and document what you think caused your accident. Try to write down as much as possible about the accident because memories tend to be not as fresh as time passes. If there were any witnesses, obtain their contact information.
- Make a report. Depending on where the accident happened, try to make a report. If you fall while in a business, like a store or a restaurant, call a manager over and ask that he or she make a written report. Before leaving the scene, request a copy of the report.
- Do not blame or admit guilt. After an accident, emotions can run high. However, it is important to regain your composure quickly so you can think clearly. Do not admit to any wrongdoing or assess blame. If you need to give a statement, keep it short and stick to the basic facts. Never discuss the details of your injury on social media.
- Call a trusted personal injury attorney. If you are considering legal action, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. The goal of any insurance company is to pay as little as possible to settle a claim. The insurance company may try to get you to admit to the accident was partially your fault and that your claim is worth little to nothing. Even though a slip and fall accident may seem fairly straightforward, they can be complex cases that are challenging to prove.
If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury after a slip or trip and fall accident, it is important to know that you may have legal options. The Injury Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P., have helped countless injury victims, in both Kansas and Missouri, obtain compensation for their injuries. Our caring team of attorneys will take the time to listen to you and carefully review the facts of your case. To schedule an initial consultation with one of our experienced Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys, contact Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. today at (816) 472-4673. At Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P we are dedicated to helping injury victims!