Property owners have a duty to keep their customers safe when on their premises. When they are derelict in these duties, injurious slip-and-fall accidents may occur. The actions you take after such an accident can have a significant impact on any subsequent litigation. Here are a few steps to ensure your case is as strong as it can be.
Get medical treatment
If an injury is serious, you should seek emergency medical care as soon as possible. But even when injuries seem minor, you should still visit a doctor for a thorough exam. Some injuries may take a few days to present, and the effects may be worse if you delay medical treatment. Visiting a doctor also ensures your injuries are properly documented. This will help you hold the responsible party accountable for their negligent actions.
Know what is required of you
Unfortunately, the burden of showing that a business owner’s negligence led to your injuries rests on you and your legal team. To do so, you must show that the business was aware of the unsafe condition and failed to act accordingly. One type of proof involves the length of time the condition existed. If a hazardous condition persisted for some time, it stands to reason that the business owner and staff would have been aware of it. Another way to prove your case is to establish that the dangerous condition occurred on a regular basis (i.e. a leaking pipe or plumbing fixture that distributed water onto the floor).
Refrain from providing too much information to others
It may be tempting to work out the issue with the business owner personally but keep in mind this could affect your case. It is better that you direct all communication and questions to your legal team, who will have your best interests in mind. Also, refrain from making statements on social media or in other public venues. Even seemingly innocent statements could derail your case, especially if they are interpreted as you assuming the blame for what happened.