Tripping on a sidewalk can result in severe injuries like bone fractures and spinal or traumatic brain injuries. If someone else is responsible for the accident, you can sue them for medical bills, lost income, and other damages. Such lawsuits require a skillful slip and fall lawyer who can go against experienced city and corporate attorneys. Here’s who to contact if you trip on the sidewalk:
Law Firm
Seeking medical attention is the first thing to do after tripping on a sidewalk. Some injuries, like trauma to the brain or spine, may leave you unable to do anything until you’re treated. In such cases, prioritize medical care to prevent further damage to your body. Contact a trip and fall lawyer as soon as you’re able to or ask a trusted friend, family member, or colleague. Contacting a law firm gives you access to professional legal counsel from lawyers who’ve handled similar cases. The lawyer can assess your case and provide advice on what to do, say, and avoid. They start building the case, gathering evidence from the scene, witnesses, and filed reports.
Follow your lawyer’s advice to avoid saying or doing anything that may compromise the case. Some accidents are a result of contributory negligence and can result in partial compensation. The defendant or insurance company may downplay or undervalue your claim because they want to settle the least amount possible. Contacting an attorney protects you from situations that may result in unfair settlement. Let your lawyer handle all communications with the property owner, police, courts, and other entities involved. Keep the receipts of medical bills and other expenses you incur as a result of the incident.
Property Owner
Sidewalks can be private or public, and the owners near the sidewalks are responsible for maintaining them to reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents. Public sidewalks are maintained by local municipalities, while private sidewalks are owned by individuals, businesses, and corporations. You should file a report with the relevant property owner soon after the incident to notify them of the accident and injuries suffered. If the sidewalk is maintained by the local government or municipality, check the city’s website for street maintenance or public works departments. For private sidewalks, visit the property owner’s front desk or find their online website.
If you’re too injured to file a report, seek medical attention and let your lawyer handle the rest. Document the scene or ask a witness to help you photograph visible hazards like cracks and uneven surfaces. The property owner may try to fix the issue before you file a slip and fall lawsuit. Take the contact details of potential witnesses and pass them along to your lawyer to help build your case. Filing a report with the property owner brings their attention to the potential hazard. They can send someone to inspect the area. The documentation can be used as evidence if your case goes to court.
Insurance Provider
Tripping injuries can keep you away from school, work, and favorite activities for days, weeks, or months. Your health or homeowner’s insurance policies may cover some costs, including medical bills. Disability insurance and worker’s compensation policies may cover part of your income. If you have such policies, notify your insurance provider as soon as possible. You can inform your lawyer and let them handle communication with your employer and the relevant insurance providers. Keep the reports filed with the insurance company consistent with other records.
Find an Experienced Slip and Fall Lawyer Today
Trip and fall accidents caused by third-party negligence or breach of duty of care can be compensated. You have a legal right to recoup medical bills, lost income, loss of consortium, pain and suffering, and other damages. Speak to a slip and fall lawyer today to start exploring your legal options.
