Tripped and Fell? 5 Ways to Build a Stronger Case

If you’re one of the thousands of people who are injured in a slip and fall incident each year then you might be wondering where you stand legally. And whether or not you’re entitled to some kind of compensation. Afterall, it wasn’t your fault! A slip or trip within a building, parking lot, shopping mall or store is usually the responsibility of the property manager. Esepically if the incident occurred due to wet floors, ripped or uneven flooring, an object left on the floor that shouldn’t have been, poor lighting etc. Unfortunately many slip and trip cases aren’t black and white – they’re more often than not, very complex and require proof and an in depth investigation.

However, if you wish to pursue legal proceedings then you should firstly speak to a lawyer – check out this trip and fall lawyer in Toronto for more information. In the meantime, there are other steps you can take to ensure that you have the strongest legal case available. Read on to find out more.

Seek medical help

This should go without saying, but it’s easy to get caught up in the injustice and frustration of an injury that wasn’t your fault. Whether it’s yourself that slipped and fell or a loved one, seeking medical help should certainly be a priority. You’ll be able to see if any permanent damage has been done, you’ll be able to get pain relief and be on the road to recovery quicker. In addition, your medical professional will fill out medical forms that detail the injuries you have sustained and the medical treatment you have undergone to manage pain and to get your health back to where it was. These medical documents will serve as evidence in any compensation case you pursue. So, seek out a medical professional as soon as possible.

Report the accident

Wherever the accident took place – a shopping mall, store, library etc, you’ll need to report what has happened to the person in charge. Usually the building manager. They will fill out a report of what has occurred, and you’ll be able to have a copy of this for your own records. Get this before you leave!

Document everything

Get the information and contact details of any witnesses at the scene. Their statements could be the difference between a successful claim and an unsuccessful one. If possible, get photographs of the area you fell and the conditions in which the incident happened and anything that contributed to it, e.g. torn carpet, wet floor etc. Make notes of how you fell, the time and date and also preserve the clothing and shoes you were wearing at the time, as these could be used as evidence.

Decline to give a statement

Don’t give a statement to anyone, without the presence of a lawyer. Decline any communication with the property owner in regards to who is at fault and avoid posting about the incident on social media.

Speak to your attorney

Legal representation is imperative in a case like this. So, do plenty of research and choose a firm with a good reputation for successful claims.