September 15, 2020
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Falling in a public place can be very embarrassing. A lot of people try to pretend it didn’t happen because they don’t want to bring attention to themselves. For example, they may fall in the grocery store and look around to see if anyone saw the fall. If not, they get up, brush themselves off, and move on with their shopping. What they don’t realize is that this could be one of the biggest mistakes you could make.
There are certain things you need to do right after you suffer a slip and fall. You have to realize that it isn’t your fault that you fell. Sure, there are some cases in which the slip and fall victim was totally responsible for their fall. But these cases are few and far between. Most slip and fall accidents in Manhattan are due to someone’s negligence.
Your Manhattan personal injury lawyer has handled their share of slip and fall cases. They understand what it takes to prove the property owner was at fault. They also know how to prove your damages. But they can only do this if you take the necessary steps after your fall. This is the only way you can protect yourself. Here, we’ll talk about what these steps are. We’ll also let you know what some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents are in New York.
You Need to Report Your Slip and Fall to Management
If you fall in a store or other commercial property, you’re going to need to report your fall to a manager. They’ll have an accident or incident form that you’ll need to fill out. This way, your accident can be reported to corporate. This will also serve as evidence that your fall took place on their property.
If you can’t stay at the location long enough to fill out the paperwork, have a friend or family member help you with this. You may need to go to the emergency room and won’t be in any position to fill out papers. Just make sure you do this as soon as possible after your fall.
Take Pictures of the Accident Scene
It’s important that you take pictures or a video of the place you fell in. If you fall in a department store, take pictures of the aisles around you. If there is a wet spot or broken floor, take pictures of this. The only way to prove that the defendant was liable for your injuries is to prove that a dangerous condition existed. Pictures can help your Manhattan injury lawyer do this.
Go to the Emergency Room Even if You Don’t Think You’re Hurt
You need to go to the hospital immediately after your fall. This is the case even if you don’t think you’re injured. You have no idea whether you’re hurt or not. The only way to know for sure is to have a doctor examine you. They’ll do the necessary tests to see if you’ve suffered any sort of injuries. These tests include the following:
- MRI
- X-ray
- CT scan
- Neurological exam
- Physical exam
Your Manhattan personal injury lawyer is going to need proof of your injuries. The best way for them to do this is by using your medical records. If you wait too long to see a doctor, the defendant will argue that something other than your fall caused your injuries.
Call and Talk to a Skilled Personal Injury Attorney in Manhattan Today
If you fall and get hurt while on someone else’s property, you may have a claim for damages. However, you won’t be able to get compensation for these damages if you don’t have the evidence to back up your claim. If you follow the steps outlined here, you should have a good chance of being compensated for your injuries. You should call and talk to a skilled personal injury lawyer in Manhattan as soon as possible after your fall. They can schedule your free initial consultation right away.
During your initial consultation, you can talk to a lawyer who’s handled cases like yours before. They can answer any questions you may have. They can also give you an idea of what your case may be worth. They’ve dealt with the insurance companies for years or even decades. They aren’t intimidated by the insurance adjustors. They’ll fight to get you as much money as possible. And remember – your initial consultation is free, so you don’t have to pay anything until you win.