Did you know that nearly half a million personal injury cases are resolved annually in the United States? While most settle outside of court, one type of personal injury case often flies under the radar: injuries sustained on someone else’s property. These cases, known as premises liability claims, are more general than you assume. Keep reading to learn more!
Unfortunately, many insurance companies don’t prioritize premises liability claims. Instead, they aim to deny or minimize settlements whenever possible. So, if you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, knowing your rights and next steps is crucial. Let’s explore what you need to do to safeguard yourself.
Quick Actions To Take After Injury on Another’s Property
The moments following an injury can feel overwhelming, but your actions are critical for recovery and potential legal claims. Here is step-by-step guide to assure you are ready:
1) Find Medical Attention
Even if your injury seems minor at first, don’t ignore it. Visiting a doctor or emergency room ensures your health is addressed and creates a medical record linking your injury to the incident.
Delaying medical care gives the property owner’s insurance company room to question the severity and cause of your injuries. By getting prompt medical treatment, you safeguard your health and strengthen the foundation of your premises liability claim.
2) Document the Incident
After an injury, it’s easy to underestimate the importance of reporting what happened. Whether you slip in a grocery store, fall at a private residence, or experience an accident in a poorly lit parking lot, notifying the property owner or manager immediately is essential. This step does more than inform them—it establishes their responsibility and initiates the creation of an incident report. Such a report is an official record and can be critical when building evidence for your claim.
Each property may have its protocol for reporting injuries, so understanding and following these procedures can help avoid potential obstacles in your claim. If you’re hurt at a business, insist on speaking with the owner or manager to ensure they are fully informed. Remember, a well-documented incident report is a crucial part of your effort to secure compensation. Make sure it is completed promptly and accurately.
3) Document Everything
Creating a powerful premises liability claim depends heavily on the quality of proof you gather. From the moment the accident occurs, think of yourself as an investigator. Follow these essential steps:
- Photographs: Take pictures of the hazard responsible for your injury, such as a wet floor, a broken handrail, or uneven pavement. These images provide visual proof of unsafe conditions.
- Medical Records: Keep detailed records of your treatments and save all related bills.
- Witness Data and info: Collect contact info from anyone who noticed the accident.
Even seemingly minor details can matter. For example, the shoes or clothing you wore during the incident might provide evidence, such as whether inadequate traction contributed to a fall.
Collecting and preserving these details creates a solid foundation for your case. Comprehensive documentation doesn’t just support your narrative; it provides concrete proof to strengthen your claim and help secure the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
Taking the right steps can make all the difference if you’ve been injured on someone else’s property. Seek medical attention, report the incident, and meticulously document everything. Most importantly, consider consulting a skilled personal injury attorney who can guide you through the process and fight for your rights.
Premises liability claims may seem daunting, but with the right support, you can hold negligent property landlords accountable and ensure the compensation you require to move forward.
References:
- https://roydwyer.com/what-to-do-if-youre-injured-on-someones-property-a-complete-guide/
- https://www.kylelawfirm.com/what-should-i-do-if-i-am-injured-on-someone-elses-property/
- https://www.lawyerschwartz.com/blog/what-to-do-if-youre-injured-on-someone-elses-property