Slip and fall accidents are often more serious than they sound in Rex. Falling can be embarrassing and leave you feeling like you were just “clumsy” or not being careful enough, but people rarely fall for no reason. After a slip and fall accident, it’s best to talk about your case with a Rex slip and fall and premises liability lawyer.
Businesses and property owners in Rex have a responsibility to people who come onto their property. They must maintain safe premises to prevent accidents. If they don’t, they are legally liable for injuries that result. This can leave the victim with costs medical bills, missed work time, expensive medications, and possibly years of treatment.
Don’t get left paying for expenses that you didn’t cause. At John Foy & Associates, we are dedicated to helping slip and fall accident victims win compensation for all their costs. We can help you build a strong insurance claim and fight for your rights to the money you deserve. Call us today to get started with a FREE consultation at (404) 400-4000.
What Counts as a Slip and Fall Accident in Rex
Many people who have a slip and fall accident case assume they are to blame for what happened. They might also be afraid to pursue legal action against a store and assume there is no point. However, we have found these beliefs to be far from the case in most situations.
Your own “clumsiness” or lack of attention is rarely the primary reason for a fall. Many times, falls happens because of a hazardous or unsafe condition. Examples of slip and fall accident hazards can include:
- Wet or slippery floors from mopping or spilled products that are not marked
- Poorly lit staircases or walkways
- Merchandise that has fallen from shelves
- Store displays that are left where customers could trip and fall over them
- Broken stairs or pavement
- Spilled food or beverage products that haven’t been cleaned up
A valid slip and fall case really comes down to who was at fault. In Rex and the rest of Georgia, owners or occupiers of land who invite people to come onto their premises have a legal duty to those visitors. If an unsafe condition leads to injuries, the property owner or occupier is liable in damages (Georgia Code §51-3-1).
Owners or occupiers must “exercise ordinary care” in making sure their premises are safe. That means store managers and employees must be diligent in keeping their location free of conditions that could cause someone to get hurt. Or, they must warn people about the hazard until it can be fixed or cleaned up (such as putting out a “Wet Floor” sign while mopping). A lot of slip and fall accidents happen because the store fails in this duty.
If you are still not sure whether your fall counts as a slip and fall accident case, contact an experienced slip and fall and premises liability lawyer in Rex who can help. A lawyer can look at the details of what happened and advise you on the best course of action.
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Six Ways to Protect Yourself After a Rex Slip and Fall Accident
The best thing you can do after a slip and fall accident is to become your own advocate. To seek compensation, you will need to file what’s known as a personal injury claim with the store’s insurance company. The problem is that insurance companies do not like to pay much for these types of claims.
The company whose premises you fell on and the insurance company may look for ways to undervalue your claim. They also might make you feel like you do not deserve full compensation for your costs. The actions listed below can help you protect your legal rights and begin gathering evidence to use in your claim.
1. Report the Slip and Fall Accident
Do not let it go or try to ignore the pain from what happened. You will need to make sure the store knows about your accident and that you were injured.
Ask an employee to take you to the store owner or manager. Be polite, but stand firm in giving the facts. If you get the sense that they are downplaying the accident or trying to blame you, do not agree or apologize. You and your lawyer can investigate all the facts later and truly figure out where the fault lies.
2. Take Pictures
Pictures preserve the scene even if it gets cleaned up or fixed. The store will likely try to remedy the situation as much as possible after you leave. Taking pictures ensures they cannot claim the hazard was never there in the first place.
Take pictures of your injuries, the dangerous or hazardous condition that caused your fall, and the entire accident scene. Be sure to get multiple shots at different angles and distances so there’s a clear picture of what occurred. You might even take a video and explain what happened in it.
3. Talk to Witnesses
If others saw your fall, talk to them. Ask what they saw and get their names and contact information. Witness testimony can be very helpful in a slip and fall accident claim.
4. Be Wary of What You Say
The insurance company may reach out to you soon after the accident. It’s best to avoid talking to them until after you have a lawyer who can speak on your behalf. Also, be sure you never sign anything or give a recorded statement without consulting with a slip and fall accident lawyer.
Insurance companies may use anything you say against you later or try to get you to accept a lowball settlement offer. They do not have your best interests in mind, so avoid saying anything that could be used to reduce your settlement amount.
5. See a Doctor
Get medical attention as soon as you can after the accident, even if you think you’re okay or can handle your injuries at home. If you want compensation for your medical costs, you will need to see a doctor very soon.
Seeing a doctor creates a record of your injuries and also shows the insurance company they are serious enough to need treatment. Plus, most injuries worsen with time and end up needing more treatment than victims initially realize.
6. Call a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Rex
You should also schedule a consultation with an experienced slip and fall lawyer in the area, as soon as you can. A lawyer can make sure every action you take after the accident is good for your case and your chances at the full compensation you deserve.
Talk to a Slip and Fall and Premises Liability in Rex, GA for Free
Don’t let a slip and fall leave you dealing with costs you didn’t cause. Call John Foy & Associates today for a FREE consultation to discuss your options. Call us any time at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
