Slip and Fall Injuries.

Slips, falls, and other injuries

Don't try to deal with these life changing problems on your own.  First of all, you need to get the best possible treatment for your injuries and you also need to protect your rights. You will need an experienced Personal Injury Lawyer who knows exactly what to do and can handle the many details involved in these types of accidents (while you concentrate on getting better).

You should be secure in knowing that your attorney will get you the best help, respect, and compensation you deserve. 

What to do first

Get contact information from any witnesses
If anyone witnessed your accident, or if someone came to your aid, whether it was the owner or an employee, or just a stranger passing by, try to get their name, address and most important, their phone personal phone number.  If the police are called, be sure to have them make a report - and get the report number.

File an Accident Report
In some cases, someone at the property or business will ask you to fill out an accident report. Just give your contact information and state that you are hurt. Do not describe your injuries - you don’t yet know the extent of your injuries, which may reveal themselves later. Do not describe how it happened - just point out any obvious defects such as a spilled substance, a jagged edge, or poor lighting.

Do not admit fault  
Don't mention fault on your part or engage in fault or blame in discussions, in writing or speaking – as any statements you make will almost certainly be used against you. 

Seek medical attention 
For serious visible injuries, a head injury, dizziness or disorientation, call 911 and get evaluated right away in an emergency setting.  Regardless of the extent of  your injuries, see a doctor as soon as you possibly can.  Some injuries, such head and back injuries, may seem less serious at first or aren't even evident right away. But they can be the most serious of all. Until you are seen by a doctor you do not know the extent of your injuries.  Many times, people are hurt more seriously than they realize.  

Let your doctor examine you and write down your injuries and when, where and how you were hurt. It's important to have medical documentation of your injuries – records that state they are related to your accident. When you get home, you should also write down your best recollection of what happened while it is all fresh in your mind. These notes will assist you when you consult with your lawyer. 

Take photos of the scene of the accident  
If possible take these photos before before you leave the area. Focus the photos specifically on any of hazards – a missing railing, loose step, a liquid on the floor etc. Many times an unscrupulous property owner who has heard about your accident will come and remove or repair the hazards so that it now appears there was nothing wrong. Also try to record the conditions such as weather, time of day, lighting etc. which are all important details.

Have someone take photos of any visible injuries you have sustained in the accident
Also get photos of bruises, stitches, a cast or brace, etc. and photos of any scars.  If this is not possible, your attorney can take photos for you.

Insurance Companies
If you fill out a report of accident, the property owner's insurance company will contact you.  You are not obligated to speak to them at this point and you certainly should not discuss what happened or anything that you might have done wrong. Insurance companies do not have your best interests at heart.  

Before speaking to any insurance company representative, even your own insurer, speak to an attorney who understands these types of accidents and the best way to handle them. Remember, in most personal injury cases, you are not charged a fee until your case is settled. 

Liability  
When you are injured away from home, whether on public or private property, there is often liability on the part of the owner or manager.  Perhaps your accident was caused by a hazard such as poor lighting, obstacles or substances on the floor, broken or missing handrails, inadequate warning or directional signs, residue from weather conditions, such as ice.  These are some of the ways that an owner's negligence could cause an accident, especially if they knew there was or might be an unsafe condition.  Owners are supposed to be vigilant and maintain their property in a good and safe condition.   

Blaming the Victim
In order to reduce their liability, the owner and their insurance company might try to say you were partially at fault. For instance, they might say that you were distracted - using your phone or talking to someone, or that your shoes were not appropriate for the location or that you had entered a located that was off limits to the public - Don’t fall for these attempts to confuse or bully you. An experienced personal Injury lawyer knows how to handle these attempts to reduce your options for recovery.

The sooner you file a claim the better
A clock starts ticking as soon as you have an accident. There is a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit against someone because of an injury. This timeline varies by state. In Massachusetts you have three years. But of course you would want to act right away if possible. The longer you wait the more difficult it will be to prove your case.

An experienced lawyer can sort out these complex issues for you
They will investigate what happened, speak to witnesses, obtain evidence, speak to experts, and determine who was responsible. They will determine the extent of your medical expenses and other losses and damages, and ultimately they will prepare and submit your claim to the insurance company, skillfully negotiating the fairest possible settlement for you.     

Peace of Mind
Reducing stress is important to recovery. Knowing that you have a lawyer with expertise in these kinds of cases who will diligently address all these issues and details, will put your mind at ease.

No matter what kind of accident you have had, even if it seems minor, make sure your rights are protected.

Speak to a qualified personal injury attorney.  Attorney Michael Rusconi has experience in many types of accident and personal injury cases and can expertly handle all the details and negotiations, while you concentrate on getting well.      

Attorney Michael Rusconi is available to discuss your case. Call today to arrange a free case evaluation.