Slip-and-fall accidents are quite common. While most slips and falls do not lead to hospitalization, some can result in life-altering injuries, especially to older victims. Fortunately, if you trip, slip and fall while on someone’s property, and you believe negligence played a part, then you may be entitled to compensation per Connecticut negligence laws.
To file your claim and pursue the damages you are entitled to, however, it is important that you know the steps to take (and the missteps to avoid). Here are three crucial things you need to do as soon as you possibly can following a slip-and-fall incident.
Remain calm and assess your injuries
You may feel embarrassed, confused and disoriented following the incident, especially if you trip, slip and fall in a busy place like a shopping mall. However, you do not want to do anything that will aggravate your injuries. Take a moment to assess your injuries. If you suspect an injured hip or ankle, remain in a lying position until the emergency services arrive.
Seek medical care
Not all slip-and-fall injuries are immediately noticeable. Even if you do not feel hurt, it is in your best interests that you seek medical attention immediately. This is especially important if you feel dizzy after the fall as this could be indicative of brain injury. Besides diagnosing and treating your injuries in time, seeking medical attention will also ensure that you obtain medical reports that you can table as evidence should the matter end up in court.
File your claim
Most premises liability claims are settled out of court. If you are not so lucky to settle yours out of court, however, then you need to file your claim within the statute of limitations period. In Connecticut, this means filing your claim within two years from the date of the incident. Rarely is this statute of limitations extended. So, be sure to file your claim in time.
Protecting your rights
A slip-and-fall accident can leave you seriously hurt. If your slip-and-fall is a direct result of someone else’s negligence, you deserve justice. Find out how you can safeguard your rights and interests while pursuing a premises liability claim.