What are Slip and Fall Accidents?
You are entitled to claim compensation for an injury which is caused by negligence on the part of a property owner. Slip and falls can happen anywhere, and at any time – in supermarkets, at work, pathways, and restaurants.
There are laws in place to protect the public and impose charges/fines on the people responsible for maintaining and running public places, to ensure the safety of anyone who uses them. The laws apply to employers as well as privately owned establishments/land, and of course to the local officials who are responsible for maintaining the roads and public pathways/pavement.
Personal Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents
Slips and falls are incidents which can have long lasting effects, such as time off work and physical impairments. If you slip over a faulty paving slab in a street, you could end up with a broken limb or severe bruising, or even concussion. This could translate to several weeks off work, and if your company does not offer very much in the way of sick pay, you could find yourself in a precarious financial position. Compensation payouts not only award money for the initial pain and suffering caused by the accident, but they can include damages which can cover for loss of earnings and medical expenses.
Making a Slip and Fall Claim
If you have suffered a slip or fall then there are a few steps you should take to help with your claim. Where possible, you should photograph the area where the incident occurred. You should make sure you take down the contact details of any witnesses who either saw your specific accident happen or who have seen the defective area in person. If anyone else has suffered a personal injury from the same source/situation then you should make sure you have their contact details, as they will be able to back up any evidence you provide. Finally, you should make sure that you have reported the accident to the relevant personnel, whether at work to your manager or to the property manager/owner if the injury happened in a public space.
It can be very easy to feel foolish or irresponsible when you have suffered a personal injury, and many incidents go unreported as a result. It is important to be aware that you are entitled to seek compensation, and in fact encouraged to, if only to highlight the problem to the relevant people to make sure no one else suffers the same fate.
Call a Slip and Fall Lawyer
Claiming is a simple process, and with just a small initial amount of effort you can get the ball rolling with your accident claim. There really is nothing to lose, and everything to gain. If you are unfortunate enough to have suffered a personal injury due to negligence on the part of a private company, public organization or governing body, you should seek advice from an attorney who will help you to recover the compensation you deserve.