Preserving evidence after an injury
When you are in a slip and fall accident at a business, one of the first things you need to do is to get medical attention for any injuries. According to the CDC, about 20 percent of all falls cause a serious injury, for example a broken bone or head injury. The business may have paperwork that you will need to complete to turn into their insurance company, but your health needs to come first. Once you have received medical attention, you can turn your energy toward preserving and gathering evidence if you believe negligence caused your fall.
Here are the steps to take following an injury:
- Contact the business and follow the instructions for reporting the accident to the insurance company. When making the report, only state the facts. Be objective, not subjective.
- Make notes of what happened and write down any information you have. It might surprise you how much a person forgets over time. Do not forget to include information about the weather if that was a factor in your accident.
- Return to the scene to take photos. If you have someone who can take pictures of the scene before you go to the doctor, that could be a good option.
- Take down the names of any witnesses, including employees. If the person did not witness the actual accident but came to your aid, get that person’s name and contact information as well.
- Save any physical evidence pertaining to your accident, such as clothing, shoes or personal property which was damaged.
- Keep a folder with any documentation from your injuries, including medical bills and reports. If you filled out an accident claim form at the business, ask for a copy for your records.
Do you have a personal injury lawsuit?
Whether you have a personal injury lawsuit depends on many different factors, for example, the extent of your injury and whether there is any negligence. A Chicago personal injury attorney can help assess your insurance claim and give you the information you need to find the best possible outcome for your situation.