Unfortunately, sustaining an injury due to the negligence of a property owner can be incredibly devastating. Not only can you be left embarrassed and in pain for the injuries you’ve sustained, but you can find yourself in astronomical medical debt for the treatment you received. As such, it’s imperative to consider connecting with a Broward County slip and fall lawyer to assist you through these matters. If you’re involved in a premises liability accident, you’ll want to keep reading to learn what you should avoid to help you file a claim.
What Are the Common Causes of a Premises Liability Accident?
Generally, the most common cause of a premises liability accident is a slip and fall. Unfortunately, these have many different causes, as they can happen virtually anywhere. From grocery stores and shopping malls to the local post office or a sidewalk in front of private property, there are several hazards that can cause you to slip and fall. These include, but are not limited to:
- Wet or slick spots on floors
- Loose flooring
- Unanchored carpeting
- Items or debris on floors
- Cracks or missing slabs of sidewalks
- Wiring left on the floor
It’s important that issues directly with the flooring are not the only causes that can lead you to suffer a slip and fall. For example, you’ll find that a broken handrail, inadequate lighting, or code violations can all lead you to sustain a slip and fall.
Is There Anything I Should Avoid After?
Following a slip and fall, one of the most important things you should do is seek medical attention. Unfortunately, if you delay medical care, it can severely impact the outcome of your case. Delaying medical care allows the defense to claim you are partially responsible for the harm you’ve endured because you failed to mitigate damages. As a result, the compensation you can recover may be severely reduced.
Another thing you should avoid following a slip and fall is social media. Though you may have more time on your hands as a result of the injury causing you to stay home, the more time you spend scrolling, the more likely you are to make an error that diminishes the value of your claim. For example, if you post a photo of yourself with friends or make a comment about your case, this can be used against you. Even your time spent on social media can hurt your claim, as the defense can claim your pain must not be severe if you can spend time on your phone.
Finally, you’ll want to avoid forgetting to collect evidence at the scene. You shouldn’t leave until you take photos of the damage to the vehicles, any injuries sustained, and photos of the scene as a whole. Additionally, you’ll want to gather the contact information of witnesses and obtain a copy of the police report.
At the Finizio Law Group, we understand that trying to navigate the aftermath of a collision without impacting your claim can be a challenging matter. That’s why our team is committed to helping you through these complex issues so you have the best opportunity of recovering compensation. Reach out to our team today to get started.
