Colorado law requires that buildings, walkways, parking lots, and other property be maintained in a safe condition. This responsibility, called premises liability, falls on the property owner and allows people who get injured on poorly maintained premises to seek compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Simply put, you might be able to file an injury claim against a property owner if you slip and fall due to their negligence.
That said, filing and winning your legal case relies heavily on you knowing what to do after a slip and fall accident and working with an experienced Grand Junction Personal Injury Lawyer. Here are the steps you should take to secure your eligibility for compensation.
Seek Medical Attention
Your first concern after a slip and fall should be your health. Immediately after an accident, assess yourself for injuries and call 911 if you are seriously injured, in pain, or bleeding. You should still see your doctor even if you are not experiencing any symptoms so they can document your injuries. These records will go a long way in proving your damages during your claim.
Report the Slip and Fall
Next, look for the property owner, landlord, or manager and report the accident, regardless of where the accident happened. They might fill out an accident report, especially if it is a commercial establishment. Narrate the accident in detail while being objective, and ask for a copy of the report before you leave the premises.
Limit Your Communication
As the property owner or manager fills out the accident report, they might ask you a few questions about the accident. Limit your answers to the facts, avoid emotional outbursts, and don’t claim or assign responsibility for the accident. You should also decline to talk to an insurance adjuster until you have talked to your attorney and avoid posting accident-related information on social media.
Document the Scene
Take clear, time-stamped photographs of the scene of the accident, the conditions that caused it (wet floors, loose tiles, etc.), and your injuries. Then, take out a notebook or use your phone to jot down everything you remember about the events leading to the accident and the fall itself, including the time.
Tip: Don’t wash your clothes when you get home. Place them in a safe place along with your shoes and mention them to your attorney.
Talk to Witnesses
If there were witnesses to the accident willing to help you, gather their names and contact information. These details will help your attorney build your case.
Contact an Attorney
Now, reach out to a Grand Junction personal injury lawyer and explain your slip and fall to them. An attorney will review your case, advise you on your next steps and handle the rest. You can now focus on your recovery.
Talk to a Grand Junction Personal Injury Lawyer
Knowing what to do after a slip and fall accident is the first step to strengthening your injury claim but what comes next is up to us. Once you contact the Cimarron Law Group, we will handle the paperwork and negotiations that are part and parcel of the claims process. Our attorneys have a collective experience of over 7 decades, and we will handle your case with the utmost professionalism. If you have been injured in a slip and fall, call us today at (970) 644-5194 to speak to a personal injury attorney.
