Slipping and falling is one of the most frequent ways adults injure themselves. In fact, an adult who suffers a slip and fall accident is far more likely than a child to be seriously hurt. Hip fractures, for instance, are highly common in these incidents.
Often, we work with clients who have been injured in slip and fall accidents while they were shopping at stores — grocery stores, shopping malls, “big box” department stores, membership warehouses, convenience stores and other retailers. What happens after you are injured in a fall at a store can have an enormous impact on your life as you move forward.
If a fall at a store was not your fault, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries. Still, you must act promptly to hold the negligent party (or parties) accountable.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Fall Accident at a Store
You should do two things right away after a slip and fall accident that leaves you hurt in a store or on any property that is not your own:
- Get medical attention.
- Report the accident.
Seeing a doctor and obtaining treatment for your injuries is important for the sake of your health. When you see a doctor, be sure to follow his or her recommendations for treatment. You also need to get immediate medical attention in order to get your accident and injury on the record.
If you are badly injured, you or someone else may call an ambulance. Meanwhile, you should alert the store’s staff or manager about your fall and injury.
Additionally, you or a family member, friend, or even a bystander should try to take photos that show the hazard that caused your accident. You can bet that hazard will not be there later. If others witnessed your slip and fall, you should get their names and contact information.
Do not ever blame yourself or accept blame from others for the accident. Leave the determination of fault for a slip and fall to professionals who can investigate and analyze the facts of your case.
You Can Seek Help from an Attorney After a Slip and Fall Injury
If you suffer an injury in a slip and fall accident that requires medical care, you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at The Sloan Firm as soon as possible for a free initial consultation. Our team will guide you through the aftermath of a slip-and-fall injury and:
- Allow you to focus on your health while we seek justice for you.
- Handle all contact with the store and/or insurance companies.
- Investigate your accident and the store’s role in it.
- Analyze all costs and losses you have suffered because of the accident.
- Seek maximum compensation for you – through a settlement or judgment – from the store where you were injured.
Your health should be your top priority after a slip and fall as well as protecting your right to be fully and fairly compensated by those responsible for it. Contact The Sloan Firm today to learn more about how we can help you in East Texas or New Mexico.