The phrase “slip and fall” refers to accidents that occur due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property. Slip and fall accidents can happen at any time. They can occur at shopping malls, restaurants, schools, theaters and homes. Sometimes, slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries such as broken bones, spinal injuries, traumatic brain injury, herniated discs, concussions or other serious medical conditions. These types of injuries require lengthy recovery times and expensive medical treatments.

If you are involved in a slip and fall accident, do not give up any of your rights. Do not sign any documents at the scene. Even if you do not believe that you have been injured, visit a doctor immediately. Taking these important precautions will ensure that your rights are protected.

Take Steps to Protect Your Rights

Slip and fall accidents can occur when an owner fails to maintain their premises in a safe manner. Homeowners and business owners have a duty to maintain a safe environment for their guests, protecting them from risk of harm. When a hazard exists, the property owner has a duty to repair the dangerous condition or warn guests about the risk.

If you slip and fall at another’s home or place of business, do not sign any contracts or agreements at the scene. These may limit your ability to recover financially in case you have suffered an injury. Even if you do not feel that you have been injured, do not sign the paperwork. Injuries frequently take several days or even weeks to manifest.

Visit a Doctor Immediately

If you are injured on another person’s property, it is important to get a physical examination immediately. Even if you do not believe that you have been injured, sometimes you may experience delayed symptoms that require medical treatment. The initial exam is also crucial in case you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit based on the slip and fall. When you are examined shortly after the incident, your physician will have a baseline to gauge the severity of your symptoms. This initial examination ensures that the progression of your injuries is well-documented. Sometimes, symptoms do not manifest until hours or even days after the accident. A doctor can evaluate your symptoms and schedule follow-up examinations to monitor the extent of your injuries.

When you suffer a serious injury, you may be faced with expensive medical bills. If your injury requires surgery, you will need to allow yourself time to recover. Once you have been released from the hospital, you may require frequent follow-up examinations, physical therapy or other types of ongoing treatment. You may need to take expensive medications to manage your pain.

Seek Legal Advice

The severity of your injury may affect your ability to participate in your usual daily activities. Some types of injury may impact you permanently. They may affect your ability to work in the same capacity that you worked in prior to suffering the injury. You may be forced to take significant time off of work while you recover from your injury, suffering lost income during your recovery process.

If you are injured because of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to receive compensation for your medical expenses and lost income. A personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and help you maximize your chances of recovery.