4 Essential Steps to Take After an Accident on a Company's Premises

Every business premise you enter has the duty to provide a reasonably safe premises for its guests. The business should take all possible precautions to protect you against potential harms and hazards. For example, businesses have a duty of care to keep their floors dry to mitigate slips and falls. 

You have a right to seek compensation should you slip, fall, and sustain injuries when on a company's premises. However, your chances of fair compensation may depend on your actions following the accident. This blog outlines essential steps that fall victims should take to following an accident.

Always inform the relevant business authority if you are injured while on their premises. Some victims overlook this step because they are embarrassed or are in extreme pain. However, this step is very important because, informing the manager ensures that the incident is put on the official accident report. 

The report will be vital should you file a court case in the future — it demonstrates that the accident happened on the premises. The report will also likely provide information on the date of the accident, the cause of the accident and potential witnesses who were present. Such information will help your attorney build a case.

A case is only as strong as the available evidence; thus, you should collect any evidence you deem vital to your case. One way entails taking photographs or videos of the accident scene. For example, you may take photos of the wet floor and surrounding areas. 

Your attorney will use the photos to prove that the business was negligent in its duty of care toward its clients — the business should ensure its floors are dry. Moreover, your lawyer may claim that the business did not warn its clients of potential hazards.

It is in your best interest to seek medical care after suffering an accident on a business premise for several reasons.

First, seeking medical care allows a doctor to properly assess your condition. You do not want to go home with fractured limbs or a head concussion and wait until your condition deteriorates to seek medical care.

Second, seeking medical care allows the doctor to prepare medical records documenting the injuries sustained as a result of the accident. The doctor will document the severity of your injuries and whether they are causally related to the fall, which is important and necessary for litigation. Your attorney will need medical records in order to pursue your claim.

Lastly, a medical report provides a logical basis for claiming medical benefits. The doctor will likely include a prescription and treatment plan for your injuries. Occasionally, some insurance companies offer “med-pay” benefits to those who are injured on their insured’s premises. If this is the case, your attorney will need documentation to have the insurance company provide these benefits for your medical bills. 

An essential step in getting fair compensation entails hiring a personal injury attorney. Injury victims should never forget that compensation claims are not as easy as they seem.

Remember, the at-fault party will hire a legal team to refute its liability and vigorously defend any claims. Thus, you should hire an attorney to safeguard your interests.

Injury victims living in New Jersey and its environs may contact Jarve Kaplan Granato Starr for legal representation in personal injury cases. We have experienced attorneys who will work tirelessly to secure your compensation.