Wednesday, February 4, 2015

10 Facts You Need to Know Regarding a Slip and Fall Accident

The most common type of injury is a slip and fall accident. They are extremely dangerous, sometimes causing life-altering injuries to your back and neck. Even though most places try to maintain safety, accidents still happen. Here are 10 things that you should know.

A slip and fall accident can occur anywhere, either a business or home. There may be different burdens to prove negligence in each instance. The business will have a higher duty of care to provide a safe environment.
Obtain medical treatment immediately. If you experience pain later, discuss the timeline with the doctor so that it can be traced back to the accident. Many times, swelling or pain doesn't exhibit itself until later. Follow through with your medical treatment.

Save your clothes and preserve evidence. If there were chemicals on the floor, your clothes may have soaked them up. Take pictures of the area, even if you have to go back.

Keep documents from the accident. If there were witnesses, make sure you get names and addresses. Start a file with medical information. Write down everything you can remember while it's fresh in your mind.

Don't give the insurance company a recorded statement. They are not on your side. This includes speaking to them in person and on the phone. Talk to a personal injury attorney before you talk to the insurance.

If you need to file a lawsuit concerning a slip and fall accident, it's considered a tort or civil case. Hire a personal injury lawyer to assist you through the process. The insurance company won't be able to manipulate a lawyer as they might you.

You will have to prove your injuries, negligence, and damages, or at the very least, your attorney will. As the plaintiff, you have to show that the business or homeowner was at fault.

Be cautious about what you post on social media. The insurance company may use it against you if you downplay the injury to your friends. If you appear healthy and happy in pictures, you are telling the other party that the injury wasn't that serious.

On the other hand, don't be dishonest about your injuries and try to exaggerate them. If the adjuster believes you are trying to get the big payout or you lie to them, it could hurt your case in the long run.

Refer anyone who attempts to get information from you to your attorney. Anything you say to a store manager or their representative can be used against you.

To find out more about slip and fall accidents and seeking legal advice in Jacksonville, please visit this website.

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