If you’ve been involved in a slip and fall accident, it is important to know your rights, what to do, and what options are available. Unfortunately, accidents can happen anywhere, uneven surfaces, cracked parking lots, or slippery areas where food and drinks are served.
Recently a court awarded a middle school student $6 million after she tripped and fell over a cable in gym class. As her class was walking on a path out to the athletic field, 13 year old Destinee Dickens tried to leap over a cable, put into place to discourage cars from entering the field.
Destinee Dickens’s right shoe was caught by the cable, she fell and broke her elbow and arm.
“”I think that the jury believed this was a preventable accident,” She has developed arthritis and is unable to extend her arm,” according to an article in Fox News. “Unfortunately, Destinee was left with an injury that’s going to get progressively worse over her lifetime. The panel reduced the award from $8 million after finding Dickens 25 percent liable for the fall.”
Important Steps To Take If You Or A Loved One Has Been A Victim Of A Slip And Fall Case
Get Medical Attention
After a slip and fall accident, it is vital to receive medical attention. Either from the hospital emergency room or your primary care physician. This should be of the utmost priority.
Take Pictures of the Area
Documentation with photographic evidence can be crucial to your case to prove negligence. A simple picture is worth a thousand words and can go a long way in showing responsibility.
File an Accident Report
Whether it happened on private property or commercial, notify the property owner of the accident. Get a copy of the paperwork involving the incident.
Gather the Witness Information
Collect the names, phone numbers, and witness statements from anyone who saw the accident happen or can confirm it happened.
Hire a Local Attorney
As we learned from Destinee Dickens, slip and falls can lead to serious, lifelong injuries. The law office of James P. Kelley has successfully represented several victims of this type of accident. From working with the insurance company, to collecting information, to get the compensation your deserve.
Contact Attorney James P. Kelley for a free consultation today.