What Steps Should I Take After Being Involved in a Slip and Fall Accident in New Jersey?
After a slip and fall incident, it rarely crosses an individual’s mind to sue for damages. Sometimes you just want to focus on your recovery. However, an accident like this can cause physical injury, pain, and expensive medical bills. It can also lead to missing workdays and lost wages. While your priority might be getting medical help during such incidents, it is likely for insurance companies to refuse coverage for such expenses. It is imperative to act quickly, gather evidence, and ensure you know who owns the property where you have been hurt.
Seek Medical Help
If you have been severely injured, seek immediate medical help. Even if you believe you have not been hurt, it is ideal to visit a doctor to ensure no internal or unapparent injuries. You don’t want to make any assumptions. A visit to an emergency room will be documented, reducing the chances of insurance companies throwing out your claim or stating that your injuries were minor. You can use the reports that your doctors write about your injuries for your case.
Establish Unsafe Property Conditions
Observe your surroundings and the place where the incident took place. Take notes and pictures if you notice any unsafe conditions, such as uneven floorboards, loose stair railings, or carpets that have not been pinned down correctly. It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure safe conditions. With proper evidence, the owner’s insurance company can be rightly charged. They need to be held responsible for not paying attention to their surroundings.
Gather Evidence
Take pictures of the place of the incident. There might be pieces of evidence that you miss, which your attorney might point out during discovery. Take notice of any nearby security cameras that can be used as video evidence. It is advised to keep the clothes you wear safe, personal items such as phones, car keys, or belongings you might have been carrying during the accident. If they are left untouched, the damage visible on clothes, such as blood, and belongings will strengthen your claim. You want to keep track of these details during this time.
Do Not Give a Statement to The Insurance Company
If an insurance officer or a lawyer not representing you is present at the scene, it is essential not to give any statements. Admitting a minor injury in front of them will weaken your case and make it harder to receive compensation. They will take anything you say and possibly use it against you. Make sure to stick with the facts and don’t say anything else. Talk to a lawyer, take guidance, and proceed accordingly.
Consult A Lawyer
Choosing the right slip-and-fall attorney, such as one from Harrell Injury Law Firm, will make or break your case. An experienced lawyer will be able to recognize many incriminating evidence through the pictures, belongings, and the statement you provide them. They will be well-versed in the common refusal tactics of the insurance company and will be prepared to rectify them. Your attorney will help you understand your legal rights and win the compensation you deserve. After a slip and fall accident, contact an attorney immediately. In New Jersey, a claim can be filed up to ninety days after the event, and it can take up to six months for the claim to be processed. Efficiently following this procedure will speed up the process and prevent any evidence from being lost.
Conclusion
It is unfair to refuse compensation for injuries and lost wages at the hands of negligent property owners. It’s important to understand your rights during this case. You don’t want to miss out on what you are rightfully owed. An attorney will review your case and help you figure out what your next steps should be. It’s hard to fight these fights on your own. A trusted legal team in your area will have your back.
