You might be surprised to hear that one of the leading causes of injuries in the United States is a slip and fall accident. The risk of slipping and falling increases in winter, especially if you live in areas with heavy snowfall or large amounts of ice and snow. From a legal perspective, slip and fall accidents that take place during winter can be quite complicated to handle. Proving fault may be difficult due to how slippery the streets can be during winter. However, if you slipped and fell on ice, here are 4 steps to take after that that could help you if you want to make a claim.
Investigate the Fall Thoroughly
You want to investigate the fall thoroughly as soon as you can. Documenting the accident clearly and comprehensively is one of the most important things you can do to help your case. Delaying too long can cause any evidence to have disappeared, especially if they are natural ones such as ice accumulation. If you had personnel such as paramedics or police at the scene, it’s a good idea to obtain any reports that they might have written. Eyewitness testimonies can also be useful in helping you craft your case. Of course, you will also want pictures and video evidence of the areas in which you fell.
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Mark the Location
One of the most decisive factors in how successful your personal injury lawsuit will be is the location in which you fell. Slipped and fell at a chain business store? It might be hard for you to win since those locations might have indemnity contracts and other documents that could protect them from legal action. Before filing your lawsuit, it is thus important that you consult with a slip and fall attorney. They can advise you of your chances, who you should file your suit against, and help you with the filing of the suit itself.
Note the Weather
The weather during the time of your accident can also be a factor in whether your claim is successful or not. If your fall occurred during a period of snowfall, it can be hard for you to prove fault given that no one could reasonably be held responsible for the weather. Taking stock of the weather conditions during the period of your fault can inform you of whether or not you have grounds to file a successful suit.
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Moving Forward: Contacting Representation
Slip and fall accidents can result in long-lasting injuries. If you have been involved in one due to the negligence of another party, you deserve to receive a settlement that can help you move forward. When it comes to personal injury suits, you want to be sure that you engage the help of a reputable attorney to help you navigate your case. Legal language can be difficult to parse especially without experience, so you want to ensure that you have someone on your side to decipher the fine print. Contact us today to request a free consultation to find out more.
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