Slip and fall accidents can happen at any moment, and the victim is left with severe injuries and enormous medical expenses. Wherever it occurs, in a grocery store, on a sidewalk, or in an office building, slip and fall accidents can cause enormous financial and emotional anguish. If your accident was a result of another person’s carelessness, you are entitled to medical expenses compensation, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
It can be challenging to go through the court system, but following the correct procedures will gain you the highest award for your case. These are the five things that are absolutely necessary that you can do to make your Canada slip and fall case more robust and receive what is rightfully yours.
Report to the Police Immediately
The most crucial step after a slip and fall accident is reporting the accident to the police immediately. The police report is precious evidence that could serve your case. A police report includes such critical details as:
- Where the accident occurred
- What happened leading to the fall
- Information of witnesses
- Hazardous conditions that led to the accident
A police report document is concise supporting evidence for your cause because it is an objective account of what actually happened. Your Canada personal injury attorney can utilize this report as the main body of evidence in insurance company negotiations or court proceedings.
Document Evidence By Photos and Videos
With mobile phones, photographic and video proof is at your fingertips. Even if there is CCTV, it is erased within days or tampered with. To acquire good proof of the dangerous environment that led to your accident, take clear and descriptive photos immediately after falling.
While documenting the scene, make sure that:
- Take wide pictures to show the overall environment.
- Zoom in on the specific danger that caused your slip (water on the ground, rough pavement, garbage, etc.)
- Take pictures of any warning signs—or absence of warning signs.
- Take pictures of any visible damage.
- Take a timestamped photo to record the date and time of the incident.
- The more evidence you bring in the way of photos, the stronger your case will be in establishing negligence and fault.
Obtain Medical Attention Promptly
Even though your injuries might appear to be superficial, immediate medical attention is necessary. Some injuries, such as concussions, internal hemorrhaging, or soft tissue trauma, are not easily seen. A physician’s evaluation not only ensures your well-being but serves as a valuable piece of evidence in your slip and fall claim.
Medical reports provide:
- Expert opinion regarding your injuries
- Documentation that your injuries were a direct consequence of the accident
- Evidence of the treatment you require
Delays in scheduling your appointment for medical treatment decrease your credibility to present legitimate claims. Insurers will have room to contest that the condition was not severe or that some other cause instigated it. Getting treated as soon as possible helps you bolster your case and enables you to gain the treatment compensation and recovery benefits you deserve.
Do not Sign Documents Before reviewing them with an Attorney
As soon as a slip and fall is suffered, the homeowner or the insurance company could call you on the phone, make settlements, or even ask you to appear to sign documents. The point that you must never sign anything prior to reviewing it with a reputable Canadian personal injury attorney is very critical.
Insurance firms often attempt to get away with the least by paying a fast settlement that is considerably lower than your entitlement. Signing without seeing what you are agreeing to can invalidate you from further payment in the future.
Before settling, ensure that:
- You read every document thoroughly.
- All the documents are reviewed by your lawyer.
- You do not give recorded statements if you are not represented by an attorney.
- Your attorney will advocate on your behalf to secure you the maximum settlement.
Hire a Seasoned Personal Injury Attorney
Handling a slip and fall claim by yourself is stressful, particularly when it involves insurance adjusters and court proceedings. With an experienced slip and fall lawyer in Canada, you have a much better chance of being awarded maximum compensation.
A seasoned attorney will:
- Review the details of your case and ascertain the liability.
- Gather valuable evidence, including witness statements and expert testimony.
- Negotiate with insurance companies.
- Advocate for you in court if necessary.
Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so they only get paid if you win your case. This means they are fully invested in maximizing your claim.
Final Thoughts
Slipping and falling can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. But by doing the right thing—reporting to the police, collecting evidence, seeking medical attention, avoiding early settlements, and hiring a seasoned attorney—you can position yourself better to receive the reward you deserve.
If you or a family member has been hurt in a slip and fall accident in Canada, do not delay and call an attorney. The earlier you do that, the higher your chances are of succeeding in your claim. Protect your rights, and you will receive the compensation award you deserve to recover completely.