Stores, restaurants and other public buildings are common places in Florida where slip-and-fall accidents tend to occur. Many property owners are aware of the dangers and liability concerns that arise when someone falls and is injured on their properties, but they do not always take proper precautions to prevent these incidents.
This type of accident is so common that the average person can expect to experience one at some point. Slip-and-fall victims are at risk of sustaining severe injuries. Here is a brief overview of what you should do after a slip-and-fall accident.
File a report
Many owners of stores and other public places require guests involved in accidents on their premises to report them. You should speak to a manager so you can file a report about your circumstances. Include the names and contact information of any witnesses present during your accident.
See a doctor
Even if you feel fine after your fall, you should seek out medical treatment. Have a doctor assess you for signs of injuries and treat them. Keep in mind that some slip-and-fall injuries, such as muscle sprains and brain trauma may not show up right away. Also, if you develop symptoms of injuries later, you should see a doctor to document and treat them.
Follow all treatment instructions
If your injuries are severe enough to warrant treatment, make sure you follow all medical instructions. Your treatment can help you to recover from your ordeal and keep your injuries from becoming worse. If you do not follow your treatment plan and you decide to file a lawsuit against the establishment for your accident, the insurer may use your treatment refusal to invalidate your claim.
Preserve evidence
Any evidence you can gather may help you prove your claim. Do not throw away any clothes you were wearing at the time of your accident. You should also make copies of all pictures, accident reports, medical paperwork and witness information you have and keep them in a safe place.
Stay off social media
As much as you may want to inform others by sharing details about your ordeal on social media, it is a good idea to avoid this. Any statements or photos you post could potentially hurt your case. The only people you should discuss your accident with are your treatment providers and an attorney if you decide to hire one.
The steps you take right after falling and injuring yourself in a store or public building can affect the outcome of your personal injury claim. If such an accident happens to you, remember to keep your head so you have a better chance of getting the compensation you deserve.