Slip and fall accidents can be an extremely debilitating experience. They are one of the most common reasons for a visit to the emergency room. Slip, and falls can lead to various severe injuries, including broken bones, fractures, head injuries, and sometimes even death.
Most slip and fall accidents occur due to issues with flooring, such as spilled water or debris left on the floor. The elderly are most at risk for this type of accident; however, it can happen to anyone anytime.
A slip and fall accident often results in hospital stays and more than a month of missed time from work. If you have experienced this type of accident at your local shopping mall, you must know the proper steps. You are not at fault for any injuries that you may have sustained. The shopping center’s managers and maintenance staff must ensure your shopping environment is safe.
Eight tips for dealing with a shopping center slip and fall accident
If you have been the victim of a slip and fall accident at your local shopping center, follow these eight tips. They will ensure you have all the documentation required to recover any lost wages or medical expenses you may incur.
Tip #1: Seek immediate medical attention.
The first thing that you should do after an injury is to seek immediate medical attention. While a slip and fall may be an embarrassing accident, you must immediately ask for assistance and be seen by medical personnel. They will be able to determine the severity of your injuries and provide you with proper medical care.
Some injuries, like concussions, may not be apparent right away. However, a doctor can diagnose you and prevent further complications with untreated injuries.
Tip #2: Obtain all medical reports from your doctor.
After being seen by a doctor, you must obtain copies of all your medical reports. Ask for either paper or digital copies of all your assessment forms, prescriptions, imaging reports, and any other documentation your doctor may have. These will come in handy later if you need to seek legal representation.
Tip #3: Inspect the area of the accident.
After your injury, take some time to inspect the accident area. Take as many notes as possible about the time, the location, and what happened. Look for the cause of your fall and document this as well. While you may be in great pain, paying close attention to these details may come in handy later.
Tip #4: Talk to any witnesses.
Witnesses may be crucial later on when seeking compensation for your injury. They can provide vital details about the cause of the injury and what happened afterward. If possible, speak to anyone who has witnessed the event and take their names and numbers to contact them later if necessary.
Tip #5: Promptly call for a manager or staff member.
As soon as an accident occurs, no matter how minor, it is important to call for a manager or staff member. All accidents at a shopping mall must be reported to someone in charge. The manager should provide you with immediate assistance and promptly deal with the cause of the injury so it doesn’t happen to someone else.
Tip #6: Follow all necessary procedures.
The shopping center will have a procedure to deal with accidents and injuries. You must follow all of these procedures. There may be questions asked and paperwork to sign, all of which will document your accident and the injuries you have sustained. This paperwork will be crucial for your lawyers and help the shopping center implement better measures to avoid further accidents in the future.
Tip #7: Take plenty of pictures.
As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Photos of the accident site, the cause of the accident, and any injuries that were sustained can prove to be priceless. These pictures will give a first-hand account of what happened and can be of great assistance when proving your compensation case.
Tip #8: Speak to a personal injury lawyer.
If you have sustained injuries caused by a slip and fall accident at a shopping center, a personal injury lawyer can help. They can assist you with obtaining appropriate and fair compensation for your suffering. Speaking to a lawyer immediately will allow you to receive faster compensation, and they can assist you with obtaining all the proper documentation you require to prove your case successfully.
A slip and fall injury can be painful and impact your personal life and career. However, taking the necessary steps to deal with these accidents immediately can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Collecting the proper documentation, seeking medical attention, and contacting a personal injury lawyer will allow you to recover faster and obtain the justice you deserve.
