Slip and fall incidents are more common than you might think. Spills or other hazards that may cause slip and fall injuries can often go unnoticed or disregarded at grocery stores, pharmacies, office buildings, and parking lots, and these unsafe conditions can lead to serious injuries. Oftentimes, falls will go unreported or undocumented as people may believe it was their own fault; however, many of these incidents occur due to property owner or manager negligence to fix potential hazards on their property.
In these cases, an experienced injury attorney knows how to present a strong case against the store or property owner. Below, we will discuss some of the most frequently asked questions we get about slip and fall cases in Georgia.
Q: What do I do after falling in a store or on someone else’s property?
A: Notify the manager or property owner, and have them make a report if possible. Seek medical attention immediately and keep record of any doctor or hospital visits. Business or property owners must take precautions to ensure their property is a safe environment for customers by notifying them of any known hazards and repairing those issues as soon as they are discovered.
Q: Should I sign or complete the report?
A: Generally, do not put anything in writing, but tell the property owner or manager what happened. Avoid signing any forms and contact a personal injury lawyer.
Q: Will I get a copy of the report?
A: Always ask for a copy of the report. They are not required to provide you with their report, which is why it is especially important for you to keep records of your own.
Q: What photos should I take?
A: Take photos of the substance or hazard on the floor or in the area that caused you to slip (or trip) and fall. You should also photograph your clothes if they are wet, the general area where you fell and any security cameras in the area that may have captured the incident. You can also take a video of the area and record yourself on camera in the exact spot to record what happened right after it occurred.
Q: What should I keep for record?
A: Be sure to keep your photos, the report (if the owner or manager supplied you with it), and files of your injuries, medical bills and other expenses that resulted from the fall. Try getting the contact information of the owner of the property or the store manager, as well as any eyewitnesses that may have seen the fall, if possible. Keep the clothing and shoes you were wearing at the time of the incident in the same condition—avoid washing them!
Q:What should I do after I leave?
A: Do not talk to anyone who calls in regard to the incident, find a personal injury lawyer immediately. It’s in your best interest to get an accident injury lawyer involved as soon as possible after your slip and fall injury who can help you fight for the best outcome for your situation.
Gwinnett Accident Lawyer, R. Michael Coker specializes in personal injury and slip and fall accidents, and will work with you to determine long-term future costs associated with your fall. We will also assist you in how to handle the store or any other responsible parties. You can contact us to get a Free Case Evaluation today.