After Slip-and-Fall Injury, 1st Steps Are Vital

The first steps after a slip-and-fall accident are crucial. If you pursue a slip-and-fall injury lawsuit, winning your case will typically involve proving that the property owner is responsible. This means the burden of proof is on you as the injured person.

The main part of proving slip-and-fall liability requires that there was a dangerous condition that caused you to fall, and that the owner knew about it.

If this was the case, here are the initial vital steps that you should take after a slip-and-fall accident:

1. Document everything.

You're going to need this later on when you consult your doctor and lawyer. The more details you remember about the incident, the more likely it is that the case will move along quickly. Some key details to help you prove fault will likely include:

• What were the circumstances that caused you to fall?
• Were there any visible defects at the time, or were there any other objects nearby that may have contributed to the falll?
• Was there a dangerous condition?
• Were there any warning signs to alert people to potential danger?

2. Make an appointment to see a doctor immediately.

Even if your injury seems minor, you're going to want to have it checked out immediately, both for your health and for legal reasons. Make sure you provide your doctor with as much detail as possible so you can get an accurate diagnosis and report on your condition to add to your collection of evidence.

3. Contact an attorney.

Depending on your injury and your case, you may need help collecting evidence and navigating your local court system. That's why it's often wise to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer so that she can help you get through the process as painlessly and efficiently as possible. A lawyer who has dealt with slip-and-fall accidents before will know exactly the right questions to ask, and can help answer any questions you may have about your specific situation.

Related Resources:

• Slip and Fall Injuries (FindLaw)
• How Much Is My Slip and Fall Case Really Worth? (FindLaw's Injured)
• Slip-Fall Injuries Can Ruin Your Holiday Party (FindLaw's Injured)
• Bike Trail Lawsuits: 3 Potential Roadblocks (FindLaw's Injured)