Slip and fall accidents can cause injuries that range from minor to severe. Some injuries can seem minor at first but could be extremely severe and long-lasting. As an award-winning slip and fall injury law firm in Wisconsin, Gruber Law Offices has seen firsthand just how devastating a slip and fall accident can be.
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, there are several steps you should take to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve and to protect your legal rights.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
In some circumstances even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured as a result of a fall, it’s important to be evaluated by a medical professional as this can help rule out serious internal injuries or other serious conditions. Some underlying injuries sustained from the fall can be quite debilitating. Keep in mind the most common injuries sustained after a slip and fall accident.
Report the accident to the property owner or manager.
Generally, it makes sense to alert the property owner or manager, sometimes with the help of legal counsel in certain situations. Alerting the property owner or m manager of the incident will help protect the public from further injury as they may need to take steps to fix the issue that caused you to fall.
Gather evidence.
If possible, have someone take photos you yourself take photos of the area where you fell, including any hazards that contributed to your fall (such as a wet floor, a broken stair or collapsed porch). Information from any witnesses, and make note of the time and date of the accident.
Keep track of your expenses.
At some point, it may become important to prove some economic impact. Therefore, it could make sense to save any bills or receipts related to your medical treatment, lost wages, or other expenses resulting from the accident.
Consult with a personal injury attorney.
A Wisconsin slip and fall attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process of seeking compensation for your fall-related injuries and other damages, such as pain and suffering, medical bills, future medical bills, lost wages and potential future loss of earning capacity, among others.
Medical treatment.
Follow your medical treatment plan as instructed by your doctors.
Avoid discussing the incident without your lawyer.
Don’t talk about any injuries you received after the fall in public forums like social media, or other social apps. Be careful when speaking to an insurance company without your lawyer present. If you have been seriously injured, you need a powerful and proven personal injury law firm on your side.
Act quickly after a slip and fall accident because there may be time limits for taking legal action and/or reporting the accident. Evidence could change or disappear. Additionally, if your injuries are severe, you may need to focus on your recovery and let your legal team handle the legal process for you.
How Long After A Fall Can You Make A Claim?
There is a statute of limitations for slip and fall accidents in Wisconsin.
This is a legal deadline for filing a claim or taking legal action. Generally, for personal injury claims resulting from slip and fall accidents in Wisconsin, the statute of limitations is typically 3 years from the date of the accident.
However, it is very important to note that this is a complicated legal matter and you should not rely solely on this because there are many factors that could into play that could require a shorter timeframe or require Notice and other mandatory filing deadlines.
For example, filing a claim can also be different for government claims, such as claims against a city or other public entity.
In these cases, the deadline for filing a claim may be much shorter than for a case against a private party, certain states and municipalities have rules but this can even be as short as 30 to 90 days from the date of the incident.
Call a personal injury attorney for a free case evaluation.
It’s important to consult with a powerful and proven personal injury law firm as soon as possible after a slip and fall accident to understand the statute of limitations in your case, and to ensure that you meet any deadlines for filing a claim.
For a free legal consultation, call 414-276-6666
How Long Does It Take To Settle A Slip And Fall Lawsuit?
The time it takes to settle a slip and fall lawsuit can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the case, the jurisdiction, and the willingness of the parties to reach a settlement.
While some slip and fall cases may be resolved in a matter of months, others can take years to resolve or go to trial. A slip and fall lawsuit typically goes through several stages, including:
- Filing a complaint
- Discovery, which is the process of more formally gathering evidence, on the record deposition testimony, documentation and other information
- Mediation or negotiations to reach a settlement
- Trial, if a settlement cannot be reached
It’s important to note that the time it takes to settle a slip and fall lawsuit can also be affected by a number of factors.
It’s also worth noting that a settlement can be reached before or after a lawsuit is filed, and, in fact, many cases are settled outside of a formal trial.
It’s important to consult with a large personal injury law firm with resources to take on the big insurance companies. Learn more about how long it takes to get a personal injury settlement here.
What Should Be Included In A Slip And Fall Accident Report?
A slip and fall accident report (which is often referred to as an incident report) should include detailed information about the accident, including:
Date, time, and location of the accident: The location of the fall and the time of day it occurred.
Weather and lighting conditions: Note any lighting issues or hazards such as poor visibility, slick or icy surfaces, or any other weather-related hazards that may have contributed to the fall.
Description of the accident: Describe in detail what happened, including how the fall happened and factors that may have led to the fall.
Personal information: Include your name, address, phone number, and any other contact information. You should also include the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
Injuries: Describe any injuries you sustained as a result of the fall, including fractures, spinal cord injuries, torn ligaments, bruising, and any other potential injuries.
Damage to personal property: If any personal property was damaged in the fall, be sure to note the items damaged and the extent of the damage.
Photos: If possible have someone take photos of the location where the fall occurred, including any hazards that contributed to the fall, such as a wet floor, broken step or collapsed porch.
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Final Thought
The most important thing you can do after a slip and fall accident is to put safety first, get the medical attention you need, report it, get appropriate treatment for your injuries, contact a lawyer, and of course begin the healing process.
Your health and safety, as well as the safety of others, is the most important thing you should consider after an accident. Hire a personal injury law firm to take care of the claim and fight for your compensation. You can focus on getting better!
Disclaimer: This post provides general information but is not legal advice and should not be construed as legal advice.
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