If you slip, trip or fall while on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation. Let’s take a look at the steps that should be taken after being hurt to maximize your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome for your Pennsylvania premises liability claim.
Notify the property owner
The first thing that you need to do after an accident is to contact the party who owns or operates the premises. If you’re hurt in a retail or commercial building, that individual might be the store or building manager, or it could be the landlord.
Preserve important evidence
Ideally, you’ll keep your shoes, a ripped jacket or any other evidence that can help establish that the accident was caused through no fault of your own. It may also be a good idea to obtain witness statements, security camera footage or anything else that can bolster your position during settlement talks or at trial.
Get medical treatment
Seeing a doctor creates a medical paper trail that can be used as proof that your injuries were caused after a slip, trip or fall on another person’ property. It is also a good idea to keep copies of any medical bills that you receive as they can be used as evidence of a financial loss.
Contact a personal injury attorney
A personal injury attorney may be able to create a legal strategy aimed at helping you obtain compensation for medical bills, lost wages or future earnings. An attorney may also prevent you from saying or doing anything that might minimize or negate your bargaining power.
Follow your doctor’s orders
Failing to follow a medical professional’s advice may result in the dismissal of your claim. Therefore, you should resist the urge to return to work too quickly or do anything else without your doctor’s consent. If you are injured on another party’s property, you might want to have the assistance of an attorney who has experience in these types of matters.