A slip and fall accident can happen almost anywhere, and when you least expect it. Many different types of negligence by a property owner can cause a victim to fall down and cause serious injury.
If you can determine what the property knew or should have known (within reason) about dangerous premises, then you may have a premises liability lawsuit.
For example, if you tripped over a hose that was stretched across the entrance to a grocery store, and there was no warning of the obstacle, it is possible you have a claim.
Please give us a call at (860) 561-0651 or reach us online for a consultation.
Melted Snow and Ice
One of the most common slip and fall accidents happens in the winter time with snow and ice that has accumulated and melted. If you were injured after slipping on melted snow, it is necessary to determine if the conditions at the time were natural or unnatural. Unnatural conditions are anything that wasn’t caused by mother nature. Examples of unnatural conditions are leaky pipes causing water build up, icy ruts in the snow caused by passing vehicles, and slippery storefront entrances caused by pedestrian traffic.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Connecticut
There are several very important steps you need to take if you were injured in a slip and fall accident. We have compiled a list to help make sure all your bases are covered if you need to seek legal representation:
- Medical Attention: The most important thing to take care of is your health. You must get proper medical attention as soon as possible. This is also important to documentation of your injuries if you need to provide proof when seeking compensation for medical bills.
- File a Report: No matter where you fell, ensure you file an incident report with either the property owner, or a manager on duty. Make sure this is a written report, and you take a copy with you when you leave.
- Stay Calm: Although emotions can be high, it is important to remain calm after being injured. Becoming angry or aggressive does not change your injury, and can be detrimental to recovering damages down the road. The important thing is to get proper medical attention to any injuries that may have occurred.
- Photos, Photos, Photos: After treatment, this is the most important step to proving a slip and fall case. Take photos of anything that is relevant to your injury. That includes the premises, anything contributing to the fall, the exact location, signage, water build up, etc. Cell phones can be beneficial because of their storage capacity and the timestamp function created when photos are taken.
- Collect Information: Getting the information of any workers on duty, the contact information of the store, the owner’s information, any witnesses phone numbers, and anything else you think is relevant will be very important to prove your case.
- Attire: Make sure you document with photos and try to keep the clothing and shoes you were wearing in an accessible and safe place. Shoes are often overlooked, but can be an important factor in the settlement of your case. For example, if you were wearing construction boots with a solid grip, and you still slipped on an unsafe surface, you can show how dangerous the premises were.
- Speak with a Lawyer: Slip and fall cases are often difficult to prove, and become even more difficult when attempting to resolve the issue on your own. It is in your best interest to contact an attorney who specializes in personal injury to help guide you in the right direction.
Contact StangerLaw LLC
If you’ve been injured in a premises liability case, please contact us for any questions or legal guidance you may need. Bruce Stanger is personally involved in every case, and can help you recover the damages you deserve in this trying time.
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