Steps To Take If You Are Injured In An Atlanta Slip And Fall Accident

Approximately eight million people are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year due to falls. Slips and falls are the leading cause of workers’ compensation claims and more than two million slip and fall accidents are caused by floors and flooring materials. Because slips and falls are very common on both commercial and private property, this type of accident is one of the most common premises liability claims that we handle.  

Property owners have a duty to maintain a safe environment for customers and visitors.   When a property owner breaches this duty of care and the breach results in an injury, the accident victim is entitled to receive compensation for his or her medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses.  Taking specific steps following an Atlanta slip and fall accident can help us prepare a strong claim against the property owner for your damages.

Atlanta Slip and Fall Tips

No one leaves home with any idea that he or she will be injured in a slip and fall accident; however, it happens to more than eight million people each year.  You run to the grocery store to pick up milk and slip because another shopper dropped a jar of liquid that has not been cleaned up by the store.  Maybe you are shopping at the mall and you fall on the escalator because it has not been properly maintained.  While visiting your neighbor, you fall on the front steps because your neighbor has neglected to repair the broken steps.

You never know when you may encounter dangerous conditions that may cause you to slip and fall. If you are injured in a slip and fall accident, take the following steps to protect your health and your legal right to receive compensation from the at-fault property owner.

• Protect your health.  Your health is the number one priority following a slip and fall accident.  For severe injuries, seek immediate medical care from emergency responders or go to the emergency room.  If you believe your injuries are minor, it is a wise choice to see your family doctor as soon as possible after the accident.  Soreness and other minor symptoms from the fall may indicate you have a more serious injury.  The only way to rule out a serious injury is to see a medical professional.
• Report the accident to the property owner.  If the property owner is not on site (i.e. a grocery store, gas station, etc.), report the accident to the manager on duty.  For injuries on commercial property, an accident report should be completed and you should receive a copy before you leave the premises. Ask for the name and address of the property owner.
• Obtain the names and contact information for witnesses. Independent witnesses can be important when proving fault in a slip and fall accident claim. Before you leave, ask anyone who saw what happened for his or her name and contact information.  Provide this to your premises liability attorney as soon as possible. Memories fade; therefore, obtaining written or recorded statements as soon as possible is better for your claim.
• Take pictures of the accident scene. The property owner may remove the obstacle, repair the damage, or correct the problem.  Pictures provide evidence of how the accident scene looked at the time of your injury.
• Preserve evidence. Your shoes and clothes may be evidence in your slip and fall case.  Preserve the shoes and clothing you were wearing at the time of the accident.
• Keep a journal and take photographs of your injuries. Take photographs of your injuries and make notes of how your injuries affect you daily routine and activities. This evidence is very useful by your attorney.
• Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Never discuss your accident or injuries with the property owner, the owner’s attorney, or the owner’s insurance company.  Anything you say may be used to reduce the property owner’s liability.  We understand the elements that we must prove in a Georgia slip and fall case.  It is our job to protect your interests while you continue to recover from your injuries.

Your Injuries and Health Are Important to Us!

Lashonda Council-Rogers of Council & Associates, LLC works diligently to ensure that you receive a fair and just settlement for your losses. For a confidential consultation, call (404) 526-8857 or contact us now.