Contrary to the belief of some, slip and fall accidents are rarely minor or “no big deal.” Even a small fall in McDonough can lead to injuries like joint problems, broken bones, sprains, and major cuts and bruises. And treatment of those injuries can leave the victim with hefty hospital bills, expensive prescription medications and even the need for ongoing physical therapy or other treatments.
One thing’s for sure, though: you shouldn’t have to pay for a property owner’s negligence. If there was an obstacle or unsafe condition on their property that they ignored or failed to take care of and you suffered a slip and fall injury, they are liable. You are entitled to financial recovery for ALL costs related to your injury. To fight for that right, you need a good McDonough slip and fall lawyer on your side.
John Foy & Associates is one of the most experienced Georgia law firms specializing in personal injury claims like slips and falls. Over the last 20+ years, we’ve grown from a small law office to one of the most successful and respected accident law firms in the country. We’re not afraid to strong arm the insurance companies to get you the financial recovery you need to get better and move on from your slip and fall. And working with us is risk-free: you don’t pay us unless we win you money.
For a FREE consultation to go over your case and your options, contact us today. Call us at 404-400-4000, or simply fill out the form to your right for the free consultation.
What Is a Slip and Fall Claim?
Slip and fall claims result from someone slipping and falling on the property due to an obstacle, hazard, or some other unsafe condition. Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe for everyone who visits it. If a hazard exists, they are supposed to either warn people about it or fix it as soon as they can. If they don’t, it’s considered negligence.
Whether they were aware of the obstacle or not, they failed to fix it in a timely manner and it led to your slip and fall accident. Examples of common slip and fall cases we see are:
- Water or other liquid product spills on grocery store floors
- Freshly mopped floors that aren’t clearly marked with a sign
- Staircases with uneven steps or no railing
- Poorly lit staircases
- A small step up into a bathroom or restaurant that’s hard to see
Under Georgia law, the negligent party (in this case, the owner of the property where you fail) is responsible for costs related to any injuries that occurred because of the negligence.
What Should I Do If I Fall and Get Injured?
Many slip and fall victims are quick to blame themselves for the fall, thinking they were just clumsy or not paying attention to where they were going. However, this is almost never the primary cause of a slip and fall. There is usually an unsafe condition or hazard that ultimately led to the accident happening.
It’s very important for you, as a slip and fall victim, to not blame yourself for the accident. Chances are, the property owner did something (or failed to do something) that put their customers at risk.
In order to bring a claim for your damages, you will need to be able to show that the owner was acting negligent and that the negligence led to your accident. Here are some ways you can start doing that after sustaining a slip and fall injury.
Tell Someone About the Accident
Your first instinct after a slip and fall might be to hide, pretend you’re alright, or even get away from the situation completely. Wanting to be strong after a public injury is understandable, but the best thing for yourself (and to help protect others who could get hurt) is to report the accident.
After the accident, ask to speak with the owner or manager so you can report what happened to them. You don’t have to act angry or even confrontational; you’ll just need to simply tell them where you fell, what caused the fall, and that you were injured.
Get the owner’s name and contact information, and give them your own. Your slip and fall lawyer will use this information, as well.
Be Careful What You Say (and don’t Say)
Many of us will say “I’m fine” or “I’m sorry” without really thinking about it. But this is a situation where it’s best to hold your tongue. You don’t want to admit any fault in the accident, as it can be used against you.
Be polite when talking to the property owner and their insurance company (because they will likely contact you), but don’t downplay your injuries or apologize for anything. You weren’t just being clumsy; there’s a reason you fell.
Get Picture Evidence of the Scene
It’s easy for hazards to get cleaned up after the accident happens. Even if the owner isn’t trying to cover up evidence, they might simply be trying to avoid future problems. But if the obstacle is removed or cleaned up, it will also remove physical evidence of what caused your slip and fall. So, if you can, take many pictures of the scene as soon as you can after the accident.
Get pictures of the hazards up close, zoomed out to show the full context, and any other pictures that demonstrate where the hazard was and how serious it was. You’ll also want to get pictures of your injuries immediately after the accident—and at various times afterward, in case they worsen.
Picture evidence can be very important in a slip and fall claim.
Speak with People Who Saw Your Fall
If you fell in a public place, chances are several people were witness to the accident. Ask them what they saw and get their contact information. Their accounts can be very powerful for your case, and your lawyer will likely reach out to them.
See a Doctor
This is crucial: always get medical attention after your accident, even if you feel okay. There are a few reasons to do this:
- Injuries can worsen over time
- You’ll need evidence of your injury for your claim
- A doctor can give you an idea of your treatment plan and the involved costs
- Your well-being is the number one priority
When you make an insurance claim against the property owner, their insurers will be looking for ways to discount the severity of your accident. Actual evidence from your doctor of your injuries will show you were truly hurt.
Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer
Slip and fall accidents are routinely approached with skepticism from insurance companies. You’ll need solid proof that you fell because of an unsafe condition—and that you’re entitled to recovery for your injuries and costs. Your best bet for the fullest financial recovery is by working with a slip and fall lawyer.
Talk to a McDonough Slip and Fall Lawyer for Free
Don’t let a slip and fall injury leave you with medical bills and other costs that weren’t your fault. Let us at John Foy & Associates pursue the best financial recovery possible for your claim. During a FREE consultation, we’ll go over the details of your accident and explore your options for a claim. Don’t delay contacting us today—the sooner you can get started on your case, the better your chances.
Call us today at 404-400-4000, or fill out the form to your right for your free consultation.
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