Hemet Slip and Fall Injury Attorney
Skilled Slip and Fall Injury Lawyers Serving Hemet, CA
In the United States, nearly one-third of all non-fatal injuries are a result of falls. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 800,000 patients are hospitalized every year for injuries from falls. The average hospital bills for these fall injuries are more than $30,000.
These costs can be devastating to individuals and families. If you sustained an injury due to a slip-and-fall accident on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation. Property owners who fail to keep their premises safe for visitors may be liable for injuries that happen on their property. Contact a Hemet slip and fall injury attorney to discover your options.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
- Sidewalks, entryways, aisles, or corridors that are cracked, uneven, crooked, or broken.
- Flooring or carpeting that is torn, rough, bunched, frayed, or worn
- Wet or oily walking surfaces
- Left behind debris and spills
- Inadequate lighting
What to Do After a Slip and Fall
You should immediately do the following after experiencing a slip and fall accident:
1. Seek Medical Attention
The first thing to do after being in a slip and fall accident is to get checked out by medical personnel. Some injuries are not readily apparent after a fall. Some victims notice symptoms of an injury weeks after a fall.
As such, even if you feel okay, you should still seek medical attention. Failure to do so may worsen any latent injury which if dealt with on time could have been avoided. The medical records will also be useful as evidence if you decide to seek compensation from the responsible party. Our Hemet personal injury attorney is well aware of the difficulties that come with slip and falls, and is here to help.
2. Gather Evidence
After getting proper medical care, begin collecting evidence on the accident. If possible, take photos of the accident scene, the unsafe conditions that led to the accident, and the resulting injuries. Take notes of important details like the date, time, and location of the accident. Note the names of the property owners or managers and whether there was any kind of warning regarding the unsafe conditions.
3. Identify Witnesses
Witness testimony can come in handy, particularly when the defendant tries to counter your story or deny negligence. Politely approach any available witnesses and ask if they can briefly explain what they saw. Also, collect their names and contact details for follow-up purposes.
4. Notify The Appropriate Authority
If you suffer an injury on the property of another, you need to notify the owner or manager that an accident occurred. If it’s a business establishment, the person in charge may ask you to fill out an accident report. The report can serve as proof that you took the accident seriously. It also shows that you took steps to document the incident after its occurrence.
5. Contact A Slip-And-Fall Attorney
In slip and fall cases, the defendants tend to do all they can to avoid compensating persons who suffered injuries on their property. So although, it’s not a requirement, it’s in your best interest to hire an experienced attorney.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries
Depending on where, when, and how it happened, a slip and fall can lead to a number of different injuries. These injuries could be mild or severe. Some of the injuries that victims usually sustain after an accidental fall include:
- Bone fractures
- Head injuries, from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries
- Skin injuries, including scrapes, cuts, or chemical burns
- Soft tissue injuries, like a torn ligament, muscle strain, or a sprained wrist
- Spinal cord injuries that could lead to severe pain, partial paralysis, or full paralysis
Speak to a Hemet Slip and Fall Injury Attorney Today
We understand what it’s like to deal with the aftermath of an injury accident. That’s why we have your best interests at heart and want to provide you with compassionate representation. We want to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today by going to our website or calling our Hemet slip and fall injury lawyer, to get your free consultation.