Last Updated on June 17, 2022 by Guest
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, slip and fall accidents account for around 27% of all workplace accidents. These accidents are common in buildings, parking lots, walkways, or trucks and are contributed by slippery floors, barriers, poor lighting, and poorly maintained equipment. Irrespective of what triggered the slip and fall accident, you ought to know how to handle the accident for safety and compensation for damages. Let’s look at some of the ways to handle a slip and fall accident at work.
Seek Medical Attention
Although most slip and fall accidents in the workplace are not severe or fatal, it is good to seek medical attention immediately. The primary aim of visiting a doctor is for your safety and to avoid getting the wrong diagnosis. Your doctor will document your injuries, which will serve as an invaluable piece of evidence in a court of law. The doctor’s report is crucial because it captures several elements that give you an upper hand in the court. You have proof of accident for a compensation claim, ranging from the timeline to the extent of the injury. Also, a doctor performs better evaluation and discovers injuries you might not know.
Report the Accident
Reporting the accident is crucial, and you should not ignore it at all costs. Whether you slipped, tripped, or fell in a store, someone’s property, another business, or at the site, make sure you report to the right person. Reporting ensures that you have a record of what happened. Your manager or employer should be informed of the accident so that it is documented from the start. Of course, you will be given an incident report to fill out. Again, it is good to notify the local authorities like the police so that you can file an official police report for the case. Ensure you give accurate and non-conflicting information to authorities.
Gather Evidence
You will probably file a compensation case when you fall, slip, or trip in a workplace. Why? The accident can trigger current and future medical costs, rehabilitation costs, lost income and future potential incomes, pain, and suffering. Therefore, you have every right to be compensated. However, compensation is not as easy as pie. You need to gather concrete evidence to win your case claim in the courts. When you seek personal injury attorney legal services, the first thing they would want to have is evidence of the accident. Take pictures of the scene and anything that can help you in your claim. Take a pen and write details like the date and time of the accident, how the accident transpired, weather, and lighting quality, among others. Such information will form solid evidence for your compensation claim.
Don’t Give Statements
When you report the incident to the property owner or manager, try to limit the information you give because it can be used against you. Perhaps the manager or the owner wants you to be at fault because of the importance of protecting the image of the company or business. However, if you decline to give statements, you limit the chances of making legal mistakes. Avoid taking or placing blame. Talk with your attorney to get proper advice before speaking to anyone about the incident. Also, avoid posting the details of your accident on social media platforms.
Seek an Accident Attorney
After assessing the damage and considering legal action, you need an attorney to help you navigate the compensation claim. Hire a suitable attorney to increase the chances of winning the claim in court. An experienced attorney with good knowledge and track record of fall and slip accidents at the workplace is your best choice. Once the attorney takes over, they will simplify the case because they understand the law. You only need to cooperate with them and be patient as the case runs in the courts.
Find Some Witnesses
Witnesses are helpful, especially in slip and fall cases. Perhaps you were working with your colleagues when the accident happened. The witness will help verify the version of your story and make it appear more credible. Take the details of willing witnesses so that they can be contacted to testify on your behalf. Pick details like phone number, email address, and names. If possible, you can ask them to write down their version of the incident. Your attorney will probably follow up on these witnesses for more details. However, you don’t have to get cold feet if you don’t have witnesses.
Final Thoughts
Many slip and fall accident cases fail to proceed because the victims don’t know what to do after the incident. They are tricked and forced to let the case slip for under-par compensation or nothing. We have enlightened you on how to handle a fall and slip accident at work. Use these tips to ensure you are safe and compensated for the damages.