A Slip, Trip and Fall in a business is a very common type of personal injury claim in Mississippi. There are a few steps we recommend to increase the chance of your case. Oftentimes, the quality of the evidence that is gathered can tip the scales in the direction of the injured party.
REPORT THE INCIDENT
Report the incident to a store manager and if at all possible, insist that an incident report is done. If you are not able to get an incident report prepared, document all the details of the incident in writing. Important details include the date and time, the area of the business where the incident occurred, the pain and injury you felt when falling, and any people who might have witnessed the incident. It is also important to note and whether or not there were any warning signs around the area where you fell (especially if you slip on a wet substance, it is important to note the presence or absence of “wet floor” or other similar warning signs).
TAKE PICTURES
Take pictures of yourself – the clothes you were wearing, if you slipped in a wet substance take pictures showing the wet substance on your clothes. Also take pictures of the shoes you were wearing at the time and set them aside to provide to your injury attorney (yes, your attorney wants your actual shoes).
Take pictures of the area where you fell – with the passage of time comes the loss of evidence. Businesses may rearrange or even completely renovate the place where you fell. When this happens, it becomes very difficult to recreate the details of how you were hurt. If your personal injury attorney cannot recreate the scenario, proving fault becomes difficult. Should you whip out your camera phone the second you fall? – No. But you, or even someone you trust such as a spouse or friend, should be sure to photograph the scene of the incident as soon as is possible.
GET MEDICAL TREATMENT; TELL YOUR DOCTOR HOW YOU GOT HURT
Falling in front of an audience might injure our pride, but sometimes the injury is physical as well. When this happens, it is very important to seek medical treatment immediately. Whether you visit the emergency room or visit your family doctor, getting medical treatment is not only good for your physical health it is good for your case as well. Equally as important as getting this treatment is making sure the doctor or nurse you see knows why you are in pain. Making sure to say you were hurt in a slip and fall on this date increases the likelihood that this information will be noted in your medical records. Mention it every time you see the doctor and relay your pain levels to your doctor as well.
Slip and fall cases are largely dependent on the evidence that is gathered and preserved by the injured party. If you are injured by a slip and fall incident you should contact the attorneys at Chhabra & Gibbs, P.A. immediately to help with the process of gathering and preserving evidence that will be needed in order to have the best chance of winning the case. Contact Chhabra & Gibbs, P.A. today to discuss your case by calling 601-948-8005. You can also go to our Premises Liability and Slip and Fallsection to learn more.
