Table Of Contents
What Should I Do After A Slip and Fall Accident in NYC?
Slips and falls happen all the time, and anyone can be a victim. Such accidents are ranked among the number one causes of serious injuries. Statistics show that more than eight million people worldwide fall victim to slip and fall accidents.
Some people end up in emergency rooms, while others succumb to injuries or sustain permanent disabilities. What could be a simple slip and fall could lead to mountains of hospital bills, a painful recovery process, and even a disability.
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents In New York
Most slip and fall accidents in New York are usually caused by poor maintenance of public property such as parking lots and sidewalks. Others may be caused by poor lighting, uneven steps on stairs, or just outright carelessness.
As a victim of a sleep and fall accident, it’s your right to be compensated for your injuries, medical bills, and overall suffering. That means bringing a claim against the negligent parties responsible, including the City of New York.
To achieve this, you need to know what to do after a slip and fall, as provided by the attorneys at Friedman Levy, so as to follow the proper legal channels in such a situation to protect your rights.
Gather The Necessary Information
After a slip and fall, you may feel disoriented. In the worst cases, you may even become unconscious. However, if possible, you should try to document anything you notice that may have contributed to your fall.
If the sidewalk was damaged, if the floor was wet or had slippery liquid, if there were obvious cracks on the surface, defective railing on the stairs, dangerous objects on the ground, etc.
If you notice any of the above, take photos and videos of the same. If you’re not able to do so, ask family or friends to do it for you. Such information is very critical for the validity of your claim as it helps prove negligence.
i. File An Incident Report
If the accident occurred at work, be sure to notify your employer. If it happens on public or private property, the owners or managers of that property must be notified immediately. If you’re seriously injured, an ambulance and police will need to be called.
When the police arrive, they’ll document the accident and produce an incident report. The police or the concerned parties can file an incident report. This is yet another document you need for your claim.
ii. Seek Medical Care
If no ambulance was called to take you to the hospital, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Otherwise, if you delay having your injuries assessed by a doctor, proving the cause of your injuries would be harder.
iii. Contact A New York Accident Attorney
Before going ahead with your claim, you should consult a New York slip and fall accident, attorney. Talking to an attorney helps you prepare to deal with insurance companies or their insurance adjusters. These people are experts at intimidating accident victims to accept a lesser settlement than they deserve.
Conclusion
Talking to an attorney helps you understand what to do after a slip and fall, your rights, and what you may be entitled to. Through their legal counsel and guidance, you could be able to face the insurance company and push for better, reasonable compensation. Otherwise, the attorney can take up your case and defend your rights.
Read Also:
