Slip and fall accidents are not rare. Statistically, most people will accidentally slip and fall at some point in their lives. However, if the fall wasn’t your fault and you’re seriously injured as a result, you may be able to file a claim to receive compensation for your injury and losses.

According to the law, buildings, parking lots, homes and other premises, such as walkways, must be maintained for safe travel. Owners are held to a responsibility known as premises liability. That means if you slip and fall and are injured due to the owner’s negligence, you’re entitled to compensation to cover medical bills and time off work, as well as pain and suffering.

Taking these steps after a slip and fall accident can help you build a strong case.

It’s crucial that you report the accident immediately after you slip and fall. No matter where you happen to slip and fall, seek out the owner, or manager of the building and report the accident.

Provide details of what happened and make a written report. For example, if someone mopped the floor and forgot to put a wet floor sign and you slipped and fell, you need to report exactly what happened. Request a copy of the report before you leave, and check that your statements have been taken accurately.

The last thing you want is for the person responsible for the premise to say that they have no report, or knowledge of the accident.

When most of us slip and fall, we get back up and go about our business, not realizing our rights if we are injured. Seek medical treatment immediately if you slip and fall on someone else’s premises. Do so even if you don’t think you’re injured at the time. Sometimes injuries don’t cause immediate pain.

You need to have a physician evaluate you to determine whether you’ve sustained a serious injury. Delaying medical treatment can hinder your slip and fall case.

When slip and fall accidents occur, those responsible seek to reduce damages immediately. They do this by taking an official written statement in which they often try to get the injured person to admit fault. Outside of reporting the incident to the proper authorities, it’s crucial that you decline to give statements about the incident until you consult with a personal injury attorney like Law Office of Scott M. Sandler, P.A..

Claims adjusters have tricks they rely on to get injured parties to inadvertently admit fault. Something as simple as apologizing for knocking over a display could reduce your damages by thousands of dollars. Don’t take any blame for the accident and avoid placing blame. Your attorney will examine the case and determine whether the owner is legally at fault.

Make sure that you keep detailed documentation, whether it’s doctor’s visits, follow-up care, treatment plans, or missed days at work. Gather your medical bills and information regarding prescribed pain medication, or other treatment. You will need this information to support your claim for damages. Create an organized folder with all of the information related to the slip and fall accident.