What to Know After a Slip and Fall Accident
Have you suffered from a slip and fall in New Hampshire? If so, you are not alone. More than one million people visit the emergency room every year because of an injury due to a slip and fall. If you’ve been injured, you may have a lot of questions. Can you sue after a slip and fall? Who is liable? What do you need to do after the accident?
Every slip and fall case is unique, so be sure to consult with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney in New Hampshire about the specifics of your case. Here’s what you generally need to know if you’ve been injured:
Can You Sue?
If you’ve been hurt because of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to sue the negligent party. It is important to remember the business or store is only liable in a slip and fall personal injury case if they have been negligent in fixing the unsafe condition that caused you become injured. Tripping over your own shoelace does not mean you can sue the business owner, but if you slipped in water with no caution sign in sight or tripped over an unrepaired, protruding threshold, you may have a personal injury case in NH.
Who Can You Sue?
Once you verify that your injury was a result of someone else’s negligence, it’s time to consider who is at fault. This will vary depending on the specifics of your case. The at fault party could be the store owner, the landlord or someone else. It’s important to discuss your case with a personal injury lawyer to understand which is applicable in your case. This part can become complex depending on the situation. For example, if you slipped in water, it could be the fault of the landlord who neglected repairing a leaky pipe. Conversely, if you slipped on the floor because the owner’s employee had just waxed and neglected to display a caution sign, it could be the fault of the store owner.
What to Do after a Slip and Fall Accident –
Whether or not you know for sure that you have a case, it is important to gather necessary evidence in the event you proceed with a personal injury suit.
- Assess the scene – Take photos and videos to document the cause of your slip and fall accident in New Hampshire.
- Identify any witnesses to your accident – Witnesses can verify your version of events giving you a lot of credibility in your personal injury case. If possible, obtain the witness’ name, phone number, address, email address and a description of what they witnessed.
- File official reports – The business may want to document an official report for their records. Make the statement without embellishment and include all pertinent information.
- Write down your own notes – As soon as possible, write down all details of the event. The longer you wait, the more you will forget. Also, keep track of any injuries, pain and symptoms.
- Seek Medical Attention – Most importantly, if you’ve been injured get medical attention right away. This is the first and most important step in ensuring your health and building your case. Some injuries may not be apparent directly after your slip and fall accident, especially head injuries. A doctor will know what to look for after a fall, so it is always best to get treated immediately following the accident.
Contact a New Hampshire Slip and Fall Attorney Today –
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident because of someone else’s negligence, consult an attorney today to start building your case to get the care and compensation you deserve. We’re here to make your personal injury claim go as smoothly as possible. Contact our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys today.