Whether you’re visiting a friend’s home or entering a store, falling and hurting yourself can be much more than just an inconvenience. At Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law offices, our slip-and-fall lawyers help clients in eastern Pennsylvania understand their rights after an accident. Taking these steps can help to ensure you receive the medical care you need and the compensation you deserve.
What is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is a legal concept that usually applies when an injury was caused by defective or unsafe conditions on someone’s property. Businesses and property owners have a duty of care to keep their premises safe from hazards that could cause injury. When they fail to do this and someone gets hurt, they may be liable for any injuries and losses the victim suffers.
However, just because you were injured, it doesn’t mean that a property or business owner is automatically responsible for damages. You must prove their negligence caused your injury, which can be challenging to do on your own. A personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case, determine whether you have a viable claim, and advise you of your options.
Seek Medical Care as Soon as Possible
In many cases, victims of slip-and-fall accidents shrug off their injuries and fail to seek medical care. Even if you took a spill and think it’s no big deal, there’s always a possibility that symptoms of serious injuries could appear days or weeks down the road. Not only does heading to the emergency room or seeing a doctor protect your health, but it also provides vital documentation you’ll need if you hope to recover compensation in a slip-and-fall settlement. Make sure to continue with any treatment, therapy, and diagnostic testing your doctor recommends. Put medical bills and receipts for accident-related expenses in a safe place.
Document the Scene and Your Injuries
Wet floors, loose carpets, and icy walkways are just a few examples of how slip-and-fall accidents can occur. It’s vital to be aware of your surroundings and capture photos of the dangerous condition that caused you to fall. If you’re unable to take photos, ask a companion or bystander to take them for you before the hazardous condition is resolved. It’s also a good idea to take pictures of your injuries as soon as you can. Photos, witness statements, and items such as torn clothing are vital evidence that can help prove how an accident happened and caused an injury.
Report the Incident
If the incident occurred in a business or on government property, inform the manager or supervisor and file an incident report. Documenting it while it’s fresh in your mind and obtaining an incident report provides valuable documentation of what happened.
If you slip and fall at the home of a friend or family member, obviously you should tell them about it if they are not there with you. Although you may be hesitant to file a claim with your loved one’s insurance company, keep in mind their insurer is responsible for paying damages, not the person. Seeking the counsel of an experienced slip-and-fall lawyer can help put your mind at ease about the process and give you a better chance of recovering a fair settlement.
Consult a Slip-and-Fall Attorney
Regardless of where or how the incident occurred, do not speak to insurance adjusters, sign anything, or accept a settlement before speaking to an experienced slip-and-fall attorney. A personal injury attorney can evaluate your case, investigate the circumstances surrounding your slip-and-fall accident, and handle all negotiations with the insurance company. You have nothing to lose by contacting a lawyer, even if they decide not to take your case. Your initial consultation is free. Our personal injury lawyers work on contingency, which means you won’t pay attorneys’ fees unless they help you recover compensation.
Contact Our Slip-and-Fall Lawyers In Eastern Pennsylvania
At Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law Offices, our personal injury lawyers have a track record of success in recovering maximum compensation in slip and fall claims. To schedule a free consultation, contact us online or call 610-867-2900. With offices in Northampton, Lehigh, Berks, and Monroe counties, our slip-and-fall lawyers serve personal injury clients throughout eastern Pennsylvania.