Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident This Winter
Winter weather brings icy and snowy conditions, which could easily lead to a slip and fall accident in Philadelphia. Before you head out during winter weather conditions, make sure to know the proper steps to take if you are involved in a slip and fall accident.
What Constitutes a Slip and Fall Accident?
An injury caused by slipping and falling is considered a slip and fall accident, which can lead to a personal injury case.
The owner of a property must take the responsibility to keep their property safe such as taking the needed precautions to avoid defective stairs, wet floors, or posting signs to warn others of dangerous conditions.
When it comes to cold weather, ice and snow can cause slippery conditions on a property. During these conditions, the property owner is still responsible for keeping their property safe, such as creating a safe walkway and posting any signs alerting others to icy conditions, which can lead to a slip and fall.
Injuries from a slip and fall accident can range from minor to severe including bruises, cuts, broken bones, concussions, spinal injuries, head injuries, and even internal injuries along with emotional distress and additional financial burdens.
What to Do When Involved in a Slip and Fall Accident
If you are injured from a slip and fall accident, the first thing to do is to always receive proper medical treatment from a doctor that will properly document all injuries. Your safety is the most important thing. Plus, these medical records will be needed as important evidence when you go to file a claim for compensation for your injuries.
Secondly, always report the slip and fall accident to the proper personnel. This is usually the property owner or store manager. Remember, a slip and fall accident can happen ANYWHERE, even on private property. So, make sure you are reporting to the correct person such as the store manager, owner, or landlord. All details of the slip and fall should be in writing and always request your own copy.
Documentation is key to a successful slip and fall claim. This includes taking down all names, and contact information of any witnesses. Also, take photos of everything, especially of your injuries and the specific area of the fall including any icy patches. Document all of the details of the slip and fall from what you were doing before the accident to how you fell. Make sure to include the exact date, time, and location of the accident. Keep this documentation in a safe place.
Avoid giving any statements to the insurance company or talking about the accident with the other party before consultation with a personal injury attorney. And remember to never post details of the slip and fall accident on social media.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Filing a claim as soon as possible after a slip and fall accident is crucial. Certain deadlines need to be met. In the state of Pennsylvania, you have two years from your slip and fall to file a claim.
A personal injury claim will award you the compensation you need to move on from your slip and fall accident. The claim will be able to pay for your medical expenses, as long as you have proof of injury and proof that the property owner showed negligence in keeping their property safe.
The best way to move forward with a claim is to work with a skilled personal injury attorney who specializes in slip and fall accidents. Your attorney will be responsible for handling all of the paperwork and documentation. They will also make sure to meet all of the important deadlines so you can focus on healing.
Our team at Edelstein Law Firm is experienced with filing slip and fall claims and getting the case solved as quickly as possible with the outcome you deserve.