What Are Important Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall on Commercial Property?
Property owners have a duty to maintain a safe environment for visitors. That duty includes mopping up spills, repairing damaged pavement, or keeping walkways free of debris. Property owners who neglect these responsibilities can be held liable if someone is injured as a result of their carelessness.
6 Steps to Take After a Fall in a Commercial Property
Falls account for more than eight million hospital emergency room visits every year in this country. Injuries from falls can be quite serious and require medical care, time off work, and extensive rehabilitative therapy for some. Follow these steps in the event that you or someone you care about has a slip and fall accident on a commercial property.
- Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention
Check for injuries immediately. Even if you do not notice obvious signs of an injury, direct trauma to the body can lead to internal injuries. If you do not call 911 at the scene, be sure to see you doctor as soon as possible to rule out internal or delayed onset injuries like broken bones, bleeding, or traumatic brain injury (TBI.)
- File a Report on Site
It is essential to have a record of your accident. File a written incident report with a property manager or other employee before you leave the site. Keep a copy for your records. This report will be considered evidence if you decide to bring a claim against the liable party.
- Take Photos of the Location
The accident scene often provides clues to how and why a fall occurred. Slippery floors, uneven carpeting, and missing handrails along stairways are all common hazards that pose a risk to the public. Evidence of these conditions will prove negligence and build a strong case for damages.
- Gather Contact Information from any Witnesses
After a fall, it is natural to be a bit shocked or stunned. These accidents can happen in a matter of seconds before you even realize what has happened. This is where the testimony of a third-party, objective witness is invaluable. If anyone happened to see your slip and fall, take their contact information down and share it with your attorney if you decide to take legal action.
- Document Your Medical Treatment
If your slip and fall injury warrants medical care of any kind, document your treatment. Keep records for hospital admissions, medications, tests, procedures, and physical therapy. Travel costs to and from doctor appointments may be compensable as well.
- Consult With a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have questions about your legal options after a fall at a restaurant, shop, or other commercial property, contact a personal injury attorney for guidance. An attorney will assess your situation and recommend the best course of action to recover your losses. Their job is to manage the legal aspects of your claim so you can focus on your recovery.
New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Recover Favorable Outcomes for Clients Across the State
If you get hurt due to unsafe conditions at a commercial business, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries. The New Jersey personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr have the experience to help you recover compensation. Call our Highland Park, New Jersey offices today at 877-249-4600 or 732-537-8570 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation. We serve clients in New Brunswick, Somerset, Piscataway, Edison, South River, Sayreville, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Fords, Middlesex, Old Bridge, Iselin, Bound Brook, Perth Amboy, Colonia, Elizabeth, and Newark.
