5 Things to Do After a Slip and Fall in a Philly Business
A sudden fall in a store or office can leave you feeling shaken and confused. You might be in a lot of pain while also feeling embarrassed that other people saw you tumble. It is important to remember that most falls happen because a business owner failed to keep their property safe for visitors. Taking the right steps immediately after you get hurt can make a huge difference in your future. If you are worried about medical bills or lost wages, a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer can help.
1. Seek Medical Care Right Away
Your health should always be your main concern after a slip and fall. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, do not cause pain immediately due to the shock of the event. Visiting a doctor right away ensures that your injuries are properly found and treated by a professional, creating a clear medical record that links your injuries directly to the accident. A Philadelphia personal injury lawyer will use these medical records as the foundation of your claim, organizing your bills and talking to your doctors to understand how much care you will need later on, so the insurance company sees the full extent of your physical struggle.
2. Report the Incident to Management
You should notify the person in charge of the business before you leave the scene by asking the manager to write an official incident report and requesting a physical copy for your own files. Be very careful with your words and stick only to the facts of what happened without guessing or apologizing, as the company might use those words against you later. An attorney knows how to get copies of these reports even if the business tries to hide them, and they will look into the history of the business to see if other people have fallen in the exact same spot to ensure your side of the story is told correctly.
3. Collect Evidence From the Scene
If you are physically able to do so, try to gather as much information as possible before you go to the hospital because businesses often clean up spills or fix broken floors immediately after an accident occurs. Using your phone to record photos of the hazard, the surrounding area without warning signs, and your own visible injuries can provide proof that a hazard existed at the time of your fall. A Philadelphia personal injury attorney can use this evidence to build a powerful case for negligence, often sending legal letters to save security camera footage before it gets erased and interviewing witnesses to get statements that support your claim.
- Take photos of the puddle, ice, or uneven floor that caused you to trip.
- Capture images of the surrounding area to show there were no warning signs present.
- Record the contact information of any people who saw you fall.
- Photograph your own visible injuries and the shoes you were wearing.
4. Keep Track of Your Expenses
A slip and fall can be very expensive once the medical bills and missed paychecks start to add up. You should save every receipt for medicine, bandages, and even the gas money you spend driving to doctor appointments. It is also helpful to keep a daily journal about your pain levels and any help you had to hire for chores. Your lawyer will use these records to calculate the total value of your losses, including future medical care and emotional distress, so that no expense is left out of your claim. Save all your pay stubs to show exactly how much money you lost from missing work.
- Keep copies of every bill sent to you by the hospital or physical therapist.
- Hold onto damaged items like torn clothing or broken glasses from the day of the fall.
- Document the impact the injury has on your daily life and hobbies.
5. Avoid Speaking With Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies for businesses often call victims very quickly to offer a small amount of money or try to get you to give a recorded statement, where they ask tricky questions. It is best to politely tell them that you are not ready to talk and that they should contact your legal representative instead. A lawyer handles all the talking so you can focus on healing your body, and they will negotiate on your behalf to reach a settlement that actually covers what you need, or take the case to court if the insurance company refuses to be fair.
Pennsylvania Statute of Limitations
You must act quickly if you want to file a lawsuit for a slip and fall in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania law gives you exactly two years from the date of the accident to start your legal case. If you miss this deadline, a judge will likely throw your case out, and you will get nothing. Waiting too long also makes it harder to find witnesses or get clear video of the accident. Starting your case early gives your legal team plenty of time to investigate every detail and file the necessary forms with the court long before the deadline hits.
Protect Your Slip And Fall Claim Today
If you were hurt in a fall, you deserve to have your questions answered by a professional. Our team is ready to review your accident and help you figure out the best way to move forward. We will fight to protect your rights and get you the money you need to get your life back. Call us today to schedule a meeting and start your journey toward a fair recovery.
