Regardless of how and where it happened, injuries suffered in a slip and fall can be severe – just as severe if not worse than those that occurred in other circumstances. Back injuries, head injuries, broken bones, cuts, bruises and internal damage can all come about. With that, it is imperative to be aware of what steps to take in the aftermath to try and hold the property owner accountable for their mistakes.
The importance of adhering to the basics after being injured
People could be under the impression that they were not seriously hurt after they slipped and fell. That could negatively impact any attempt at seeking sufficient compensation for medical costs, lost wages and long-term damage they might face. For example, if a person was walking in a store, fell because an object was in their path when it should not have been and they tore ligaments in their knee, they will have three years from the date of the incident to file a legal claim. Going beyond the statute of limitations could prevent them from filing a civil claim.
As with any injury, it is vital to get treatment as soon as possible. Some might think that it is too much of a hassle to go for medical care, particularly when they do not believe they have been seriously hurt. Still, slip and fall accidents could result in injuries that did not immediately manifest as clearly as they would in an auto crash.
After the accident, it is wise to gather information about the owner of the property, identify anyone who is living or working there, know what the facility is used for and whether they should have known there was the chance of a person falling and becoming injured.
In any slip and fall case, negligence is a critical factor. This means that reasonable care needed to be taken to prevent others from being harmed. As a claim proceeds, it will be assessed whether the owner of the property was responsible for protecting the injured person; if that duty was breached; if the person filing the claim was legitimately injured; and if the failure to act responsibly was a primary factor in the injury. If a retail establishment did not clean up a spill in a timely manner, then it could be perceived as a failure that was a proximate cause to the person’s injury.
Maryland looks at contributory negligence in a personal injury case. That means the person who was injured might have played a role in the accident and injury. Some issues such as a person who is alleged to have assumed some risk knowing they could be put in danger could negatively impact a case. If they were injured during an exercise activity and claim an item was left in their path when it should not have been, the defendant might say that the accident should have been predicted by the injured party.
People injured in a slip and fall should seek help immediately
A personal injury case can be sabotaged by not acting in a timely manner after it occurred. Getting medical attention, filing a report, getting information from witnesses and seeking legal guidance are all key aspects of maximizing compensation after being hurt due to someone else’s negligence. The aftermath can cause a litany of problems personally and financially, so knowing how to hold the responsible parties to account is imperative.