The Do’s and Don’ts of a California Slip and Fall Accident Claim
Many people have the misconception that slip and fall accidents only happen to older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults are in fact at a higher risk of suffering a dangerous fall that results in serious injury or death. With the said, a slip and fall accident can happen to anyone, no matter their age. If you or someone you love was recently injured in a slip and fall accident while on someone else’s property, it is imperative to seek the legal guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney. After an accident, it may be possible to obtain compensation for the injuries suffered, however, it is critical to adhere to certain Do’s and Don’ts. With many years of dedicated experience, the attorneys at Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP can guide you through the process of filing a successful claim.
Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP is a law firm with an established track record of successful personal injury cases, including premises liability claims such as slip and fall accident cases. Through hard work and determination, the attorneys at Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP have successfully helped many injured clients receive the monetary compensation they deserved. To schedule a no-obligation consultation with the dedicated team at Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP, call (909) 894-0812 or complete the confidential contact form here.
What To Do After Your Accident
1. Do Take Photographs or Video of the Scene
After a slip and fall accident, it is important to document as much information as possible in order to prove the case. After the accident, taking pictures or video of the scene can help victims and their attorney refer back to the scene for further analysis. Once an accident has taken place, it is likely that the environmental conditions that caused the accident will be removed, repaired, or cleaned up, by the party responsible for managing the property. In an effort to prevent another similar accident, property managers can destroy important evidence needed to win a case.
2. Do Gather Witness Statements and Contact Information
Eyewitness testimony is often a valuable part of proving a slip and fall accident case. A person who witnessed the accident transpire or the dangerous conditions that caused the accident can help prove the defendant’s negligence as well as corroborate the victim’s version of events.
3. Do Obtain a Medical Evaluation
Rarely do people recognize the extent of their injuries after a slip and fall accident. Even when the injuries seem minor, it is critical to seek a medical evaluation right away. Obtaining a medical evaluation is not only important for one’s own health, but doing so also documents the injury and its severity.
What NOT To Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
1. Do Not Downplay the Injuries
Following a sudden fall, feeling embarrassed can be inevitable. Consequently, many people feel the urge to downplay the incident and their injuries. It is important to avoid doing this as it can be later used by the defense to claim that the injuries are nonexistent.
2. Do Not Admit Fault
Although reporting the slip and fall accident is important, it is important to not admit fault to the accident when reporting it. The goal of reporting the accident is to establish a record of the incident but to avoid providing unnecessary information to the defendant.
3. Do Not Accept a Lowball Settlement Offer
The injuries resulting from a slip and fall accident can be devastating, and insurance companies are well aware of this. For this reason, defendants and their insurance companies will do all that is in their power to avoid paying victims the compensation they truly deserve for their injuries. After an accident, speaking to an attorney will ensure maximum compensation is obtained.
Schedule a Complimentary Case Evaluation Today
As a victim of a slip and fall accident, you have the legal right to pursue an accident claim against the party responsible for managing the property where your accident took place. Even when it is evident that the accident was caused as a result of negligence, there are important Do’s and Don’ts you must observe in order to win your case. To ensure you achieve a successful slip and fall claim outcome, speak to a well-versed attorney right away.
The proficient legal team at Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP have many years of dedicated service representing slip and fall accident victims. To ensure you obtain the highest compensation available, consider scheduling a consultation with the firm today.
Stephen Levine, is a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Defense — an honor achieved by only the top criminal law attorneys in California. Mr. Levine has over 40 years of experience in criminal defense and family law serving Southern California, and is a highly regarded Super Lawyer as well as AV Rated attorney.