Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?
There are an estimated 8 million slip and fall accidents in North America every year, and they are the second leading cause of death and disability after automobile accidents. Injuries from a slip and fall can be painful and debilitating, necessitating prolonged medical treatment and time off of work.
Slip and Falls Outside the Home
It is the responsibility of property owners – commercial and residential – to maintain safe conditions and to warn people on the property of potential sources of danger.
If you experienced a slip and fall accident in Massachusetts, and the owner of the premises failed to warn you of the unsafe condition, they may be found liable for negligence in a court of law.
Damages for Slip and Fall Injuries
Damages could include compensation for:
- medical expenses,
- pain and suffering,
- lost income, and
- loss of future earnings and benefits.
If you are injured in a slip and fall accident, ensure you preserve your claim properly.
Steps to Take After Your Slip and Fall Accident
Take the following steps included in this Slip and Fall Accident Checklist:
- Inspect the area where you fell. What caused you to fall?
- Make sure other party is aware of the accident. For example, if you fall at your local grocery store, locate a manager and have the store file an incident report and get a copy of it before you leave. If anyone indicates this has happened before, or they knew of the potential for danger, make a note of it. If you fall on residential property, notify the owner in writing.
- If there were witnesses to the accident, or witnesses who came to your aid after the accident occurred, try to get their names and contact information. Ensure this information is contained in the report in case the property owner attempts to dispute your claim.
- Seek medical treatment right away – go to an emergency room or schedule an appointment with your physician. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the more frivolous your claim may appear to the court.
- Take photographs of the location of the fall. Floor and ground conditions can change and you should record the scene as it appeared at the time of the accident, if possible.
- Take photographs of your injuries.
- Continue treatment for your injury and follow your doctor’s orders.
- Keep records of all of your expenses related to the accident. Include time off from work, co-pays and bills related to your medical care, and any other expenses incurred due to the incident.
- Contact an attorney who is experienced in personal injury law.
What to Ask Personal Injury Attorneys?
When you are interviewing Boston premises injury attorneys for your slip and fall case, ask critical questions, like:
- How long have you been practicing personal injury law in Massachusetts?
- What is the largest settlement or verdict you have won on behalf of your clients?
- Do you have experience with slip and fall cases?
Boston personal injury lawyer, Tom Kiley, has been fighting for victims in personal injury cases for over 30 years, and has secured million dollar injury settlements and verdicts for clients in a variety of personal injury and wrongful death cases.
Tom Kiley and his team take time when speaking with you about your case. We will work with you on a contingent fee basis so there are NO FEES unless our trained personal injury lawyers win your case.
Call now for a FREE Consultation: 1-888-208-1695.
