Important Steps To Take After You Slip And Fall On Ice Or Snow
Posted on April 6, 2022 in Other Liabilities
Slip and fall accidents can result in various injuries such as hip fractures, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, muscle sprains, and many more. Slip and fall injuries are very common in the winter and could leave you with unexpected medical bills. Icy roads, pavements, sidewalks, and parking lots may be especially dangerous and you should be extra mindful and careful when walking on them.
Here are some of the important steps to take after you slip and fall on ice or snow.
Medical Treatment
The first and most important step is to get medical treatment for the injuries you have sustained. A slip and fall injury can cause severe damage and it is important you get urgent medical treatment for serious injuries such as traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury. You should also have your body checked by a doctor to assess the full extent of your injuries.
It is also important to document your injuries and to take note of any changes such as worsening symptoms or new pain. Medical records, expenditure, and any bills related to the injury sustained from your slip and fall accident should also be documented.
Witnesses and Evidence
After slipping and falling, you may find yourself in tremendous pain. However, if you are still conscious and well after the slipping and falling on ice or snow, it is important to act quickly and decisively to gather as much evidence as possible in the event that litigation will occur. A good first step would be to communicate and create a list of witnesses who saw your fall accident and the conditions of the surroundings that caused the fall.
You should also take photos and videos of the scene of your accident and the surroundings that led to your fall. Ideally, this should be done immediately after the accident as evidence such as ice accumulations may disappear if you wait for too long. Your clothes and shoes worn during the accident should also be kept properly as they may be critical evidence.
Any reports acquired by police or paramedics at the scene of your fall should also be acquired. You should also pay attention to your surroundings, location, and the weather during the time of your fall. It is also best to report the incident to the police and the business/property owner about your accident.
Personal Injury Lawyer
Depending on the severity and extent of your injuries, you may wish to hire a personal injury lawyer to help with your injury lawsuit and settlement. You need to know your legal rights and the legal grounds for your case so that you can receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
If your injury has resulted in you missing work or being unable to work, you can receive compensation for loss of income, as well as for the pain and suffering the injury caused. You may also be entitled to any personal injury damages such as if the injury negatively affects your regular activities.
Looking for a trusted personal injury lawyer in New York? Call our New York number: (212) 847-5007 or Long Island number: (718) 954-9986 to schedule a free consultation with us today.