What are my legal options after a slip and fall and what should I do after an accident?

Legal options in a slip and fall case depend on the circumstance of the fall. Whether the fall occurred at someone’s house, a business, or on government property, your legal options will depend on the reason you fell, how you fell, and when you fell.

A slip and fall should be reported as soon as possible after the fall occurs. Notify the homeowner or business owner and their insurance company about the incident. It’s vitally important that the fall is documented and that as many aspects of the fall are documented as possible — this may make your case for compensation stronger in the future, and smoother.

Take pictures of where you fell and what caused it. Was there pooling water? Was it a large crack in the sidewalk? What ever the cause was, obtain proof that it is in fact what caused your fall and injury. Also, take in to consideration the environmental conditions at that place, at that time. Some conditions may have been preventable by the homeowner or business owner as opposed to natural and unpreventable environmental conditions, so it could be important to have that on file to consult with an attorney.

In slip and fall cases, the condition of the location where the fall occurred can change over time. For example, if you slipped on ice that was there as a result of a hole in the pavement that had filled with water then the ice may have thawed and hole filled before the location is observed again. Recording all the details of the environment, conditions, and cause of your fall is essential — without this evidence, it might be difficult to warrant a personal injury claim.

Slip and fall cases can be tricky because, without enough proof, it may be simple for the at-fault party’s insurance company to claim that you were partially or fully at fault for the accident and subsequent and injuries. Having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side to help create your case and defend it may be in your best interest.

The attorneys at Kelley and Canterbury, LLC have worked with members of the Anchorage, Alaska community since 1975, and it is our mission as a family owned law firm to help people through personal injury. If you have further questions or concerns about a slip and fall case, don’t hesitate to contact us.

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