SKIP TO CONTENTExperiencing an injury on a business property can be embarrassing, stressful, and painful. You may not know the best actions to take after your injury. If you’re like many people, you may be tempted to forget about the situation and try to move forward.
However, depending on the circumstances surrounding your injury, you may be eligible for compensation from the business property owner. Taking the necessary steps after your injury can help you maximize compensation and receive the best outcomes from your claim.
Read on to learn what to do after an injury on a business property.
1. Call the Police
As soon as you experience an injury on business property, your first step should be to seek emergency medical treatment if necessary. However, if you do not need to receive medical attention right away, you should first call the police.
The police can come to the accident scene and create a report that you can use in your insurance claim or lawsuit. This report will detail the circumstances that led to the accident, the time and date it occurred, and any immediate injuries that you noticed.
2. Take Photos and Record Contact Information
Before leaving the accident scene, we recommend collecting as much evidence as you can that could support your claim down the line. If you cannot collect this evidence yourself, you can enlist a family member or friend to help you.
First, take a few photos of the accident scene that illustrate the circumstances leading to your injury. Next, collect the contact information of any witnesses who may be able to testify to the property owner’s liability for the accident.
Finally, speak with the business manager and file an incident report. We recommend requesting a copy of this report to keep with your other evidence.
3. Seek Medical Treatment
Seeking medical treatment is one of the most important steps you can take following an accident. At first, the initial shock of the accident may lead you to believe that you have not experienced any injuries. However, even if you do not currently notice any severe injuries, seeking medical treatment is vital because it can:
- Help you identify underlying injuries that need immediate attention
- Provide evidence of your damages to use in an insurance claim or lawsuit
We recommend receiving a physical exam as soon after your accident as you can. However, if your injuries are severe, you may want to call an ambulance at the accident scene.
4. File an Insurance Claim
Most businesses hold liability insurance, which can cover the expenses related to accidents and injuries on their premises. As a result, you may be able to receive compensation through the business owner’s insurer.
While the insurance company should reach out to you directly, you can also contact the business owner’s insurer yourself to file a claim. The insurance company will review your evidence to determine a monetary amount to reward you for your damages.
5. Consult an Attorney
If the business owner’s insurance company fails to offer reasonable compensation for your injuries, you may need to negotiate or file a personal injury lawsuit to increase your compensation amount. At this stage, hiring a personal injury lawyer may be highly beneficial.
A personal injury lawyer can help you negotiate with the insurance company, obtain compelling evidence, represent you in a lawsuit, and more.
If you’ve experienced a slip and fall accident or any other injury on business property, we can help you secure compensation. Contact our Bryan Garrett law firm today at 405-369-7723 to schedule a consultation with a qualified personal injury attorney.
