The moments immediately after a fall are filled with pain and confusion. Many people are unaware of what caused them to slip or trip, oftentimes leading to the belief that the fall was the result of clumsiness or inattention. However, many slip and fall accidents can be traced to unsafe conditions on a property.
If you or a loved one has suffered injury in a slip and fall accident, please contact Ventura Law at (203) 800-8000 today for a free consultation. Our lawyers serve clients throughout Connecticut and New York.
Steps of a Slip and Fall Accident Claim
Simply because you slip and fall on the grounds of a residential or commercial property or in a public space does not entitle you to compensation. To have a legitimate premises liability claim, you must prove that the property owner’s negligence resulted in your injuries.
Follow these steps to start building your claim:
1. Document Conditions at the Scene
If you think you suffered a serious injury in the fall and require emergency medical attention, dial 911. However, if you don’t believe the situation is urgent, you can begin taking immediate action on your case.
Photos of where you slipped and fell on the property can help prove that the owner was negligent. Look at the surrounding area and take pictures of hazardous conditions such as:
- Spilled liquid on the floor
- Loose carpeting
- Debris in the walkway
- Damaged tiles and other flooring
- Buildup of ice and snow
- Inadequate lighting
- Missing or damaged warning signs
Unsafe conditions on a property can be quickly cleaned up or fixed. Once the hazard is removed, it may be difficult to prove that the owner’s negligence caused your injuries. Therefore, if you are able to document the condition of the property at the time of the slip and fall accident, it is in your best interest to stay on the scene and start gathering key evidence.
2. Speak to Witnesses
Eyewitness testimony can provide crucial support for your slip and fall accident claim. If anyone saw you get hurt, be sure to speak to them.
In addition to asking each witness what they saw, get the name and contact information for all of the individuals you interview. Your lawyer will review your notes and may reach out to the witnesses in the process of building your case.
3. Seek Medical Attention
Once you leave the property, getting medical treatment should be your first priority. Visit your primary care doctor or go to the emergency room as soon as possible. The doctor or medical team may take X-rays, perform an MRI and CT scan, and order other tests to determine the nature and extent of your injuries.
Timely medical care won’t just help you get started on your recovery. It will also protect your legal rights.
In slip and fall accidents and other personal injury claims, insurance companies commonly argue that waiting to get medical treatment is a sign that the plaintiff is exaggerating their injuries. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid delay.
4. Notify the Property Owner
Another crucial step you should take sooner rather than later is letting the property owner know that you suffered injuries in a slip and fall on the premises. If the accident occurred on a residential property, this likely involves notifying the homeowner directly. Other properties, however, may have different procedures in place.
Representatives for commercial and government properties may ask you to complete an accident report. As you fill out this form, provide a clear, concise account of the accident and your injuries. But, be careful not to volunteer information that may suggest you were at fault.
The insurance company for the property owner will likely review the report, and an employee for the insurer may even contact you. If this occurs, you are under no obligation to speak to the insurance company representative.
5. Speak to a Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
It is in your best interest to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after your slip and fall injury. An experienced lawyer will investigate the accident promptly, represent your interests in interactions with the insurance company, and ensure that your claim is filed on time.
Injury claims, including those involving slip and fall accidents, are subject to statutes of limitations that limit the time you have to take action.
- In Connecticut, the statute of limitations is 2 years.
- In New York, the statute of limitations is 3 years.
Although 2 to 3 years might sound like a lot of time, it also takes time to build an effective case. Therefore, don’t hesitate to contact a slip and fall accident attorney.
How Ventura Law Can Help
The attorneys at Ventura Law have extensive experience in a wide range of personal injury claims. If you or a loved one suffered injury on an unsafe property, our team can pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
Get help navigating your rights by calling (203) 800-8000 today. Your initial consultation is free and completely confidential. Our slip and fall lawyers serve clients throughout Connecticut and New York.