6 Tips After a Slip and Fall at an Apartment Complex in Philadelphia
Slip and fall accidents can be frightening and lead to severe injuries. Even a minor fall can result in broken bones, sprains, and head injuries.
Fortunately, you may be entitled to compensation if you sustain injuries in a slip and fall at an apartment complex.
A “slip and fall in an apartment building” occurs when someone falls due to a slippery surface, such as a wet floor or broken step.
If the landlord failed to maintain the property properly, they might be responsible for the injury. In this case, the injured person could file a claim for compensation.
Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers can help you take legal action against the liable party.
Our firm has a deep understanding of premises liability and personal injury law. If you are ready to take action, contact our apartment complex slip and fall lawyers today.
1. Seek Medical Attention
Your priority after any injury should always be your health. Even if you feel okay initially, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is crucial.
20% of slip and fall accidents cause serious injuries. Many of these conditions may not be apparent. For example, internal injuries and concussions often cause extensive damage before showing any noticeable symptoms.
Seeking medical attention also creates a record of your injuries and the treatment received.
These records also may indicate how the injury occurred and the cost of care. Your lawyer will want these records if you decide to pursue a legal claim for compensation.
Lastly, refusing to get care after a slip and fall at an apartment complex can hurt your case. The defendant might cite your lack of medical treatment as evidence that your injuries were not that serious.
2. Report the Incident to Property Management
You can’t seek compensation from an apartment complex if it isn’t aware of the hazards. Here are a few reasons why you should notify property management of the accident:
- Official documentation. A formal report creates a record of the accident date, location, and the cause of your fall. This record becomes vital evidence if you need to file a claim later.
- Puts the manager on notice. Reporting the incident establishes that management is now aware of the hazardous condition. This will support your negligence claim if the apartment continues to ignore the hazard.
- Improves safety. Other people are at risk of falling as long as the hazard is present. Once your management company is aware of the danger, it can begin repairs to prevent similar accidents from happening.
It’s best to submit this report in writing. That way, you can keep a copy of the email or letter for your records.
3. Document the Accident
Having evidence of the dangerous conditions can strengthen your claim. Here’s what you should document and how:
- Photographs or videos. Take pictures or videos of the location from multiple angles. Capture any hazards that contributed to the fall, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or debris.
- Conditions at the scene. Note the conditions at the time of the accident, including lighting, weather, and any signage or warnings present. This information can help corroborate your account of the incident and demonstrate that the property owner or manager failed to maintain a safe environment.
- Injuries. Take photographs of visible injuries, such as bruises, cuts, or swelling. When combined with your medical records, these images can be very compelling evidence.
- Witness statements. If there were any witnesses to the accident, obtain their contact information and ask them to provide statements describing what they saw. Witness testimony can corroborate your version of events and strengthen your claim.
If you need assistance with this process or have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our firm. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
4. Don’t Speak to Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are in the business of saving money. They do this by minimizing payouts and denying claims.
It’s crucial to avoid discussing the accident details with the other party’s adjuster without an attorney present.
Adjusters often present early settlement offers that seem generous. However, these initial offers don’t fully capture the extent of your injuries and damages.
Accepting an early settlement can leave you with less compensation than you deserve. Moreover, it may also prevent you from taking any further legal action.
5. Be Cautious on Social Media
We’ve seen far too many cases end because of social media posts. Until your case is over, it’s best to refrain from posting about your accident or injuries.
Insurance companies and defense attorneys often monitor social media accounts for harmful information. They are experts at finding and using innocent posts or photos to damage your claim.
6. Meet with a Personal Injury Lawyer
The legal process after a slip and fall at an apartment complex can feel overwhelming. You need an attorney by your side who can take on this burden and help you seek the most compensation possible. Here’s how we can help:
- Decades of experience. We know the common causes of slip and fall accidents, how to prove damages, and how to win in court. We will use this knowledge to build a strong case that protects your rights.
- Evaluate your case. We’ll work closely with you to understand the details of your accident, the extent of your injuries, and any related expenses you’ve incurred. This allows us to evaluate the strength of your case and the potential compensation you might be entitled to.
- Gather evidence. Our attorneys know what it takes to prove a slip and fall claim. We will help find evidence to build a strong claim and establish liability.
- Negotiate a fair settlement. We are skilled negotiators who will fight to secure the maximum compensation available. Our firm will never suggest accepting an offer unless it’s your best option.
- Go to trial. If a fair settlement isn’t possible, we are ready to represent you in court. Your lawyer will fight for your rights in front of a judge and jury to show why you need compensation.
On top of all this, our firm will help you get peace of mind during this emotional time. We’ll take care of the legal aspects of your case so you can focus on recovering.
Schedule Your Free Consultation With Our Firm Today
You may be entitled to compensation after a slip and fall accident. Contact Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers today to take the first step toward closure.
A Philadelphia slip and fall attorney from our firm is always ready to review your case.
For the last 75 years, our firm has recovered millions for injured Pennsylvanians. We want nothing more than to get justice for you and hold the liable party accountable.
Call our Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers today to schedule your no-cost, no-obligation consultation.